Norris Admits Sao Paulo Sprint Win Was a 'Sketchy' and Difficult Affair

Lando Norris secured a hard-fought Sprint victory at Interlagos, extending his F1 championship lead, but the McLaren driver described the win as 'sketchy' and called for 'homework' before Saturday's crucial qualifying session. Despite leading from pole, Norris faced relentless pressure from Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, highlighting the challenging conditions and competitive nature of the race.

Why it matters:

McLaren's ability to maintain its competitive edge against a rapidly improving Mercedes is crucial for Norris's championship aspirations. While a Sprint win provides valuable points, the underlying performance concerns highlighted by Norris suggest that the team needs to refine its setup to truly challenge for Grand Prix pole and race victory, especially with rival teams closing the gap.

The details:

• Norris led the Sprint from pole position, but the race was far from straightforward, featuring a red flag caused by incidents involving Oscar Piastri, Nico Hülkenberg, and Franco Colapinto on a damp Turn 3 kerb.
• After the restart, Norris was consistently pressured by Mercedes' Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who made his life "certainly not easy."
• Challenging Conditions: Norris described the race as "sketchy" due to tricky winds and significant tire degradation, making it a demanding race in typical Brazilian fashion.
• Performance Concerns: Despite the win, Norris noted that McLaren's pace was not as strong as he expected, particularly compared to Mercedes, stating, "I don't know how much of that was down to the tyres, or just that they did a good job and they were quick today."
• Team Outlook: Norris's win secured eight points, stretching his championship lead over teammate Piastri to nine points. However, he emphasized the need for McLaren to do "some homework" before qualifying.
• Piastri's Mistake: Oscar Piastri admitted to a "silly mistake" that led to his spin, vowing to put it behind him and focus on a strong qualifying performance for the main Grand Prix.

What's next:

Norris is cautiously optimistic about challenging for Grand Prix pole, acknowledging that while McLaren's qualifying pace has been good, changing wind conditions and cooler temperatures could affect performance. The battle with Mercedes, particularly with Antonelli showing strong form, suggests that McLaren will need to extract every bit of performance to secure a front-row start for the main race. The 'homework' Norris mentioned will be critical to finding the necessary improvements to convert Sprint success into Grand Prix glory and solidify his championship lead.