News
Norris and Piastri hail ‘amazing’ front row lock-out for McLaren at Monza as they capitalise on Red Bull’s struggles
Share
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were both full of praise for McLaren’s efforts as the team recorded their second front row lock-out of the season with an electric qualifying display during Italian Grand Prix qualifying.
Norris and Piastri showed strong pace throughout Saturday’s session at Monza and delivered when it mattered in the decisive Q3 phase, getting the better of the Mercedes and Ferrari drivers in an ultra-close top-six.
READ MORE: Norris seals pole position ahead of Piastri at Monza as McLaren secure front row lockout
Outside of that top-six were Red Bull, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez only seventh and eighth, meaning both Norris and McLaren are in prime position to cut their rivals’ championship leads once more.
Reflecting on the session, Norris said: “Another pole, which is amazing. To have the cars first and second when the field has been as tight as it has all weekend, it’s a little bit of a surprise, but a nice one. A big well done to the team as they’ve done an amazing job.
Norris will lead team mate Piastri away at the start at Monza, matching their grid positions in Hungary
“Honestly, my lap… It hurts me to say, it was not a great lap. My Q1 run one was, but run two [there] was a little bit more and we’re still good enough for pole. So, a little bit surprised again, but very, very happy.”
Asked for his hopes and expectations in the race, he continued: “The same. Really, the same would be lovely. But like we’ve seen all weekend, it’s so close. There’s a lot of very quick drivers behind in quick cars, so I’m not expecting a very easy race tomorrow.
AS IT HAPPENED: Follow all the action from qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix
“[There are] a lot of unknown things going into the race with the degradation, the tyres, the tarmac. Plenty of question marks and plenty of excitement, I’m sure.”
Piastri, meanwhile, was left to ponder if a maiden pole position could have been on the cards with a cleaner final lap – having wound up just over a tenth away from team mate Norris.
“The first lap in Q3 was quite good, just the second one not quite enough, which I feel like I’ve said a few too many times this year,” he commented. “Still, a good performance, and a really good team effort.
Norris and McLaren are pushing to catch Verstappen and Red Bull in the respective title races
“The field’s been incredibly tight this weekend. I think I said on the radio, there was no guarantee of a front row lock out for us, so an amazing effort to be able to pull that off.”
He added: “Starting a bit further up the front than last week is definitely a positive for myself. It’s obviously a long run down to Turn 1, so starting second here is not always the worst thing.
“Let’s see what the tyres do tomorrow. It’s been a little bit different to what we’re used to in Monza, so it could be a pretty exciting race. With such a tight field at the front I think it will be very exciting.”
McLaren head into the race aiming to cut Red Bull’s 30-point advantage in the constructors’ standings, while Norris will be hoping to capitalise on his grid slot and reduce Verstappen’s 70-point drivers’ lead.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
FeatureF1 Unlocked PRACTICE DEBRIEF: It's a four-way fight at the front in Baku – but who looks to have the edge?
News Leclerc says Ferrari ‘value the group more than an individual’ after Newey signs for Aston Martin
Report F2: Verschoor edges out Antonelli to take pole position in Baku
News Verstappen reacts to Newey joining Aston Martin as Red Bull push to fix RB20’s problems
