Norris admits to qualifying struggles after disappointing Imola performance

MOLA, Italy: Lando Norris was candid in his self-assessment after a frustrating qualifying session at Imola left the McLaren driver starting fourth for Sunday’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix—despite showing strong pace in practice.

Norris, who had topped final practice ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, faltered in qualifying while Piastri surged to his third pole position of the season. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell also outpaced the Briton, who has faced growing scrutiny for his inconsistency under pressure.

“I made a lot of mistakes. Never good enough in my final lap in qualifying, everyone goes quicker and I go slower,” Norris admitted. “Not good enough, the car is mega and it is the best car on track. I’m not going to blame the car.”

Despite being just 16 points behind championship leader Piastri, Norris acknowledged that qualifying—a strength throughout his career—has become a persistent issue this season.

“I felt good all weekend but when I try and go for lap time it does not go. In my whole career qualifying has been my biggest strength by a long way but this year it is not coming my way,” he said.

With McLaren showing clear pace and Piastri continuing to capitalize, the pressure is mounting on Norris to convert potential into performance when it counts most.(Reuters)