Norris admits McLaren ‘just didn’t have enough’ after losing pole in Japan as he predicts ‘good fight’ from Verstappen

Lando Norris conceded that McLaren “just didn’t have enough” in Qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix after losing out on pole position to Max Verstappen in the final moments, with the Briton expecting his former title rival to put up a “good fight” on race day.

After a strong start to the campaign, the papaya outfit again looked to be leading the way throughout much of the session at Suzuka – but Verstappen caused a shock by storming through to clinch P1 during the final flying runs, displacing Norris by just 0.012s.

READ MORE: Verstappen clinches stunning pole position ahead of Norris and Piastri in Japanese GP Qualifying

Despite missing out on the top spot, Norris was left satisfied with his result amid the fine margins at play and praised Verstappen for his performance in the Red Bull.

“I’m happy. Congrats to Max, he did a good job so hats off,” the McLaren driver said. “You’ve got to credit something when it’s a lap that good that he must have done. I’m happy because I feel like I got everything out of the car today.

“It’s tiny. Was there probably that much in it? Yes, but Max did an amazing lap so we’re happy. For both of us to be up there fighting for pole is good but just not enough.”

Having experienced a wide moment through Turn 7 during his opening lap in Q3, Norris was quizzed on whether this had had an impact on how he had put his second effort together.

HIGHLIGHTS: Relive Verstappen's surprise pole in Japanese GP Qualifying

“I dipped a wheel on the exit of 7, and 7 is the last place you want to make a mistake,” the 25-year-old reflected. “It was just a couple of little mistakes and it shows how easy it is to lose lap time.

“My lap was very good, I’m very happy. If I was to go again, I probably wouldn’t go as quick as I did. I feel like we’re on the limit of what we had, we just didn’t have enough today.”

Now Norris and team mate Oscar Piastri – who lines up behind him in third – will be looking to fight back and battle for victory on Sunday, with Norris adding: “That’s the goal, but no one knows what the weather’s going to do tomorrow so it could be another race like Australia.

“It’s going to be an exciting race. Of course we want to try and get past Max, but he’s going to put up a good fight. I’ve been there before so I’m excited for it.”

Piastri also commented on the fine margins amongst the field as he looked back on his session, the Australian having said: “I felt good through most of Qualifying, especially at the start of Q3 it was a good lap.

“The last lap just didn’t come together as I wanted. Incredibly tight margins, so I think it’s still all to play for tomorrow. I think we’ve got a great car and just a little left on the table out there today. [We’ll] try again tomorrow.”

AS IT HAPPENED: Follow the action from Qualifying for the Japanese GP as Verstappen takes pole

Asked if he remains confident that he and Norris can take the fight to Verstappen, Piastri voiced his belief in the performance of the MCL39.

“Yeah, I think so,” the three-time race winner responded. “I think we’ve got good pace. The others have not been as far away as people think. You never quite know with engine modes and stuff like that.

“This morning was pretty tight, so I think it’s not a massive surprise. I think Max has obviously done a great job to end up on pole, but I think we’ve still got a great car for tomorrow and we’re still in the fight for the win.”

And with an uncertain weather forecast suggesting that rain could possibly be on the cards, Piastri said of the potential for changing conditions: “I don’t really mind. I think our pace has been good in all conditions so far this year. I welcome whatever comes. Let’s see what we get.”

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