When it comes to having a qualifying session where everything seems off, Lando Norris couldn’t have chosen a worse moment.
Currently, the disparity between the McLaren driver and Max Verstappen in the standings is a significant 76 points. Yes, that’s a large gap, but with 11 races remaining, it’s not impossible to bridge—especially when many consider Norris to be driving the best car on the grid.
With Verstappen facing a 10-place grid penalty at Spa, Norris had the perfect chance to reduce the Dutchman’s lead significantly.
However, instead of maximizing his damage, it turned out to be a day of damage limitation for Verstappen. He showcased his talents in qualifying, mastering the tricky conditions caused by recent rain in the Ardennes region.
Verstappen’s performance was outstanding; he finished nearly six tenths of a second ahead of the competition, effortlessly claiming pole position. Nevertheless, he will be starting 11th when the race begins later today/tomorrow, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the front row.
Lando Norris failed to capitalise on Verstappen’s grid penalty, coming fifth in Spa qualifying
Norris likely imagined it would be him switching places with Verstappen. Yet, instead of excelling in the wet as he has done in earlier races this season, Norris stumbled.
Lacking confidence in his vehicle, Norris could only manage the fifth-fastest lap, which placed him on the second row in fourth position, leaving the impression that a golden opportunity had slipped away.
‘I did as best as I could today,’ Norris remarked to his race engineer.
He further explained his disappointing performance: ‘I just couldn’t find the right rhythm; I felt one step behind and a bit out of sync.
‘I was really struggling out there, to be honest. There was a lack of confidence and speed.
‘I felt more confident at the end of Friday, but for some reason, throughout this weekend, I just haven’t connected with the car as well as I have in previous races.
‘It feels like I haven’t had to work too hard to understand how to drive the car through each corner.
‘Over the last few weeks and months, it’s come much more naturally. Unfortunately, this weekend is one of those where I’m struggling to find that nice, natural feeling.’
When asked if he saw enough potential in his car’s performance to believe he could still win Sunday’s race, Norris replied: ‘That’s the goal.’ However, it sounded like a long shot.
On the other hand, Verstappen knows he has a daunting task ahead over 44 laps to diminish Norris’s hopes.
‘Based on McLaren’s speed in practice, they were incredibly strong and looked quite at ease,’ said the defending world champion.
‘Yes, they may be starting a bit further back, but their pace will allow them to challenge for the front and potentially lead.
‘For me, it all depends on how I navigate the first lap. It’s still about damage limitation.’
Wet conditions in Belgium scuttled Norris’ pole ambitions ahead of Sunday’s Grand Prix
Max Verstappen (right) took pole in Spa, but will start in 11th place owing to a grid penalty
Verstappen (pictured) is 76 points ahead in the drivers’ championship, but Norris to catch him
Yet, it was Norris who lay awake Saturday night, contemplating whether McLaren’s inability to fully exploit the opportunity before them would haunt them in the future.
This season has seen similar missed chances, one that Norris could have transformed into seven race victories but ended up with just one.
Poor strategies cost him wins in Canada and Silverstone. In Spain, it was Norris himself who fell short despite having the quickest car, losing the lead at the start to Verstappen and George Russell, and then suffering an early retirement in Austria after a collision with the reigning champion.
Norris had to allow McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri (above) to pass him in accord with team orders, in last week’s Austrian Grand Prix
Last weekend, team orders saw Norris yield a potential race win to Oscar Piastri, prioritizing team loyalty. Additionally, don’t forget Imola, where he was narrowly beaten by less than a second.
In a season that has seen seven different winners, the most since 2012, Norris has faced lost opportunities to challenge the dominant Bulls. Instead, those chances have been dulled by unfortunate circumstances and narrow margins.
Norris is eager to secure victory and avoid adding Sunday’s disappointment to an already complicated story.
