Norris insists he's 'pretty happy' with third on Mexico City GP grid as he looks to close gap on Verstappen

McLaren driver Lando Norris insisted he was “pretty happy” with third place on the grid for the Mexico City Grand Prix, despite having topped Q1 and Q2 in a dramatic qualifying session.

Norris entered the weekend with a run of four pole positions across the past five grands prix held since the summer break, having topped qualifying in Zandvoort, Monza, Marina Bay and Austin.

READ MORE: Sainz clinches sensational pole position ahead of Verstappen and Norris during dramatic qualifying session in Mexico

Norris was fastest of all throughout the first two segments of qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, though was only fifth after the first hot laps during Q3.

The Briton nonetheless improved on his second run, finishing in third, but was unable to threaten Carlos Sainz for pole position, while title rival Max Verstappen slotted into second position.

“I’m pretty happy with third honestly,” Norris said after climbing out of the car. “I feel like I got to the limit of the car quite quickly, which made us look good.

“I struggled to get a lot more out of it in the final two laps. Carlos and Max did good laps; especially Carlos has been very quick all weekend. I’m happy with third.”

HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from qualifying in Mexico as Sainz storms to pole after shock Q1 exits for Perez and Piastri

Norris enters Sunday’s 71-lap race trailing Verstappen by 57 points in the Drivers’ Championship, with the gap growing following events in Austin last weekend.

The trialling of Pirelli’s 2025 prototype tyres during Friday’s second practice session also means that teams and drivers are more in the dark than usual regarding long run pace.

“None of us have done proper long runs on the tyres that we’re going to be on tomorrow,” Norris said.

“There’s question marks for all of us, but Ferrari have been very good in qualifying and long run pace over the last couple of races, so it’s going to be tough. But we’re in a good position, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Norris had a strong race 12 months ago in Mexico City, climbing into the top five from 17th on the grid, and will hope he can deliver a similarly impressive performance once the lights go out on Sunday.

READ MORE: ‘We were just struggling too much’ – Perez identifies ‘main issue’ as he reflects on dispiriting home Q1 exit