Lando Norris says he is “excited” to see if McLaren can mount a challenge against Max Verstappen in Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix by maintaining his high race pace.
As had been the case in sprint qualifying on Friday, Norris qualified second behind Red Bull’s Verstappen on Saturday, but the 0.4s gap between the top two was much greater than it had been 24 hours earlier.
Setup changes made by Red Bull, after Verstappen held off a strong attack from Norris and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in the 23-lap Sprint race, appeared to have had a hugely positive impact as the Dutchman dominated.
Although he admitted Verstappen’s performance was somewhat worrying, Norris remained hopeful that McLaren can maintain their recent trend of being stronger on Sunday than Saturday.
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Austrian Grand Prix qualifying highlights
“It’s another day,” Norris said. “Things may change and conditions will be very hot again.
“The races have been very good for us recently, it’s one of our strengths compared to qualifying, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do. »
Norris showed promising pace early in the Sprint as he passed Verstappen for the lead, but lost concentration and allowed the Red Bull to come straight back with Piastri.
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Max Verstappen somehow held off a charging Lando Norris to retain the lead during the early stages of the Sprint
Asked about his plan for Sunday’s race start, Norris said: “A bit of the same, but not.
“I’m just putting a few things in order. I know what I did wrong, it was obviously very clear.
“The speed advantage that Max had today will probably carry over to tomorrow as well.”
Verstappen hopes ‘improved balance’ translates to racing
After ending a streak of three races without a pole position, Verstappen hoped that the marked improvements made by Red Bull after the Sprint would carry over into the race.
“It’s of course something that I hope will also be a good thing,” he said.
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Max Verstappen is preparing for his front row battle with Lando Norris at the Austrian Grand Prix, saying it will be a long race with many factors
“I will know tomorrow. I felt the car improved a little bit in terms of balance, which I hope will also help the tyres tomorrow because it will be another hot and long race.
“So you really have to take care of the tires, and that’s what we’re going to try to do. »
Having helped him dominate the sport for much of the last two years, Verstappen has felt uncomfortable in the RB20 in recent weeks despite some impressive results.
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Anthony Davidson was at SkyPad to analyze how Red Bull’s Max Verstappen comfortably beat McLaren’s Lando Norris to start on pole for Sunday’s race in Austria.
Asked how the team were able to optimise the car at the Red Bull Ring, he added: “Just a more stable balance, a little bit more connected between the front and the rear. And that worked well.”
“I think we made the right changes. And then we see that it’s small things that can sometimes make a big difference in lap time.
So of course I’m very happy about it because, as I said before, we haven’t had the easiest races, and I think the pure pace has been a bit more difficult for us compared to the last two years. So it’s definitely very positive for everyone.”
Russell confident in his podium chances
Even though the front row is reversed from last week’s starting order at Barcelona, third place remains the same, with Mercedes’ George Russell benefiting from Piastri’s demotion due to a track limits violation .
Russell made a stunning start in Spain to take the lead on the outside of Turn 1 but admits he is more likely to focus on the cars behind him this time around.
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George Russell has admitted his fight is not against Lando Norris, but to keep Ferrari and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri behind.
The second and third rows will both be Mercedes-Ferraris, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc starting alongside Russell and team-mate Lewis Hamilton respectively.
Despite his lack of hope of putting Verstappen and Norris in trouble, Russell is confident he can hold off the Ferraris and a potentially charging Piastri from seventh for the final podium spot.
“Lando and Oscar seem a little bit quicker than us,” Russell said. “Obviously, Max is on track at the moment.
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Austrian Grand Prix Sprint Highlights
“I’m confident that Lewis and I can probably beat the Ferraris tomorrow and probably stop Oscar’s progress, but it’s a long race, with a lot of degradation, anything can happen.
“I think it’s a little more difficult here. These guys always stick together. So maybe this time we’ll just have to sit back and watch it all unfold. Last week I wasted a lot of time fighting with Lando and probably focused too much on the guys in front of me, which ultimately cost me a place in favor of Lewis. I think the race is behind us tomorrow. »
Sky Sports F1 Austrian GP live schedule
Sunday June 30
7:25 a.m.: F3 main race
8:55 a.m.: F2 main race
12:30 p.m.: Sunday Grand Prix: preparation for the Austrian GP*
2:00 p.m.: The AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX*
4:00 p.m.: Checkered flag: Austrian GP reaction*
5 p.m.: Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
F1’s triple bill continues with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring. Watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with the big race on Sunday at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription – No contract, cancel anytime
