Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
Norris Reflects on Qualifying Performance at Bahrain Grand Prix
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has observed that Lando Norris struggles to manage his self-directed critiques, a trait highlighted after the Bahrain Grand Prix qualifying session. Following impressive speed demonstrated by McLaren during practice sessions at the Sakhir International Circuit, expectations were high for a strong qualifying performance. However, while Oscar Piastri secured pole position, Norris concluded qualifying in sixth position, visibly expressing disappointment with his own performance.
Norris Expresses Frustration After Qualifying
“No major issues with the car,” Norris stated after exiting his vehicle. “The car feels exceptional, performing at its peak this season, which is encouraging. My personal performance has been lacking throughout the weekend. The reasons are unclear. I feel somewhat lost on the track presently. I believe I need a significant reset to regain my form.”
He further elaborated, “I am struggling to determine the correct approach. I can’t quite grasp it. Each adjustment I attempt seems effective for a single session, only to be unsuitable for the subsequent session due to changing wind conditions. I’m unable to find a consistent rhythm with the car.
“Need to Work on Myself” States McLaren Driver
“When I lose that rhythm, my speed diminishes considerably. I need to focus on improving my own performance. The team and the car are faultless; the car is undoubtedly top-tier. It’s evident that I am not currently performing optimally.”
Norris’s Self-Criticism a Recurring Theme
This instance isn’t isolated; Norris’s propensity for self-evaluation has frequently garnered attention. During aspects of the season, he has openly critiqued his race starts and performance lapses when errors impacted his points standings. Notably, some competitors, including Max Verstappen and teammate Piastri, have refrained from similar public self-assessments.
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Stella Explains Norris’s “Transparent” Nature
Stella characterized this trait as inherent to Norris’s personality. “As you mentioned, Lando often exhibits considerable self-critique and openness, a stylistic aspect of his character,” Stella commented post-Bahrain qualifying.
“Undoubtedly, other drivers are equally critical of themselves but choose to keep these assessments private, presenting a more guarded persona to the outside world. Lando lacks this filter. He is genuinely candid, I would say, making his disappointment or self-doubt apparent.”
Norris’s Underlying Speed and Potential
“Regarding his performance, Lando is an exceptionally quick driver, naturally talented with remarkable race aptitude. Even amidst his recent challenges in assembling complete laps in Q3, his underlying speed during the weekend remains evident.”
“In Q1, we immediately observed rapid lap times, and in the initial practice session, he largely dominated. Prior to this event, he consistently achieved fastest times in nearly every Q2 session. Therefore, I perceive this Q3 struggle as a temporary phase in effectively completing that final qualifying lap, which has been somewhat problematic recently, but I believe it’s a fleeting situation.”