Norris Vows to Learn from 'Embarrassing' Verstappen Duel After Las Vegas GP Disqualification
Lando Norris expressed embarrassment over his aggressive start at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he battled Max Verstappen. Despite recovering to second, Norris was later disqualified for excessive skid block wear, as was his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. With his championship lead now trimmed to 24 points over Verstappen and Piastri, Norris vows to learn from his mistakes and improve McLaren's performance against a dominant Red Bull in the final two rounds.
Lando Norris called his start at the Las Vegas Grand Prix "pretty embarrassing" and pledged to learn from his overly aggressive move against Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver, who started on pole, pushed hard into Turn One but outbraked himself, losing positions to both Verstappen and George Russell. Despite recovering to second place, Norris was later disqualified alongside teammate Oscar Piastri due to excessive skid block wear, further complicating his championship bid.
Why it matters:
After a strong run of form, Norris's self-critical assessment highlights the fine margins in F1 and the crucial lessons needed to challenge for a championship. His disqualification, combined with the aggressive nature of his opening lap, underscores the pressures and the potential pitfalls that even top drivers face when battling for track position against fierce rivals like Verstappen. For McLaren, the incident and subsequent disqualifications are a setback in their bid to consolidate their position among the front-runners and demonstrate consistent championship contention.
The details:
- Aggressive Start: Norris, starting from pole, made a "punchy" move into Turn One to defend against Verstappen but overshot, losing positions early in the race.
- Disqualification: Four hours after the race, Norris and Piastri were both disqualified due to excessive skid block wear beneath their cars, a breach of technical regulations.
- Championship Impact: The disqualification means Norris's lead in the Drivers' Championship over Piastri and Verstappen is now 24 points with only two rounds remaining in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
- Team Performance: Norris expressed disappointment in the team's overall pace relative to Red Bull, stating, "I just hate getting beat, simple as that. I hate that they are quicker at the minute. We've got to try and step it up a bit."
The big picture:
Max Verstappen continues to be a dominant force, eyeing a record-equalling fifth consecutive title. His consistent performance and the perceived strength of the Red Bull car, especially since a floor upgrade at the Italian Grand Prix, pose a significant challenge. Norris acknowledges Red Bull's