Lando Norris Reflects on 'Embarrassing' Las Vegas Start and Lessons Learned

Lando Norris admits he must "learn" from his error at the start of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, an incident he labeled "pretty embarrassing" after braking too late into Turn 1, dropping from pole to third. Despite recovering one position, he couldn't challenge Max Verstappen, who went on to win. The race ultimately ended in disqualification for Norris and Oscar Piastri due to illegal plank wear, a decision with potential championship implications.

Why it matters:

Lando Norris's candid self-assessment highlights the intense pressure and high standards in Formula 1, even after a strong run of recent performances. His focus on continuous improvement, despite a race compromised by car issues, underscores the mindset of a top-tier driver. The disqualification adds another layer of complexity, impacting the Drivers' Championship battle and raising questions about car setup.

The Details:

• Start Line Error: Norris, starting from pole, overshot Turn 1, allowing Max Verstappen and George Russell to pass him.
• Performance Gap: Even before the disqualification, Norris conceded that a win was unlikely due to a "lack of performance" and "a lot of issues with the car."
• "Spoilt" by Success: Norris admitted feeling "spoilt" by recent back-to-back triumphs, suggesting his high expectations made the Las Vegas performance particularly frustrating.
• Championship Battle: Heading into the final two rounds, Norris holds a 24-point lead over both Oscar Piastri and Verstappen. However, with 58 points still available, he expressed concern over Verstappen's and Red Bull's strong form.
• Disqualification Fallout: The double disqualification for illegal plank wear means McLaren's strong on-track performance in Las Vegas was partly due to running the MCL39 too low to the ground. This decision stripped McLaren of crucial points and could be significant in the Constructors' Championship.

Between the lines:

Norris's comments reveal a driver intensely focused on perfection, even when external factors (like car issues leading to disqualification) play a role. His frustration isn't just about losing positions but about not meeting his own high standards, especially after recent successes. This drive is crucial for a championship contender, but the underlying performance issues and subsequent disqualification present a challenge McLaren must address swiftly.

What's next:

Norris and McLaren now look to the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi to solidify their position. While the disqualification is a setback, the team will be eager to understand and rectify the plank wear issue to ensure their car is legally compliant and competitive. Norris's focus will be on eliminating personal errors and maximizing the car's potential to fend off rivals in the championship.