Lando Norris admits 'nervous' Ferrari challenge after Mexican GP pole

Lando Norris secured a stunning pole position at the Mexican Grand Prix, but admitted to feeling "nervous" about Ferrari's pace in the closing stages of qualifying. Despite outperforming teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris anticipates a tough battle on race day, particularly from the Maranello squad known for strong race pace.

Why it matters:

Norris's pole position is a significant boost for McLaren and his championship aspirations. However, his acknowledgment of Ferrari's threat underscores the intense competition in F1 and sets the stage for a potentially thrilling race where strategic decisions and opening lap performance will be crucial.

The Details:

• Norris improved on his final Q3 run, clocking a 1:15.5, which he described as a "pleasant surprise" given how competitive the session was.
• He out-paced Charles Leclerc by just over two-tenths, with Lewis Hamilton also in the top three.
• Teammate Performance: Oscar Piastri struggled to find form, only managing the eighth-fastest lap. He will start seventh due to a grid penalty for Carlos Sainz.
• Ferrari's Threat: Norris specifically mentioned feeling "nervous" about Ferrari's pace in Q3, indicating their strong potential.
• Race Day Pressure: Norris expects significant pressure on the opening lap due to the long run to Turn 1 at the Mexican Grand Prix circuit.
  • He emphasized, "The race pace from the Ferrari is normally very strong, so I'm expecting a battle. I'm not expecting it to be easy."

What's next:

Norris is determined to convert his pole into a victory, stating, "I'm here to win." The race will likely see an intense fight from the start, with Ferrari's strong race pace and the long run to Turn 1 posing immediate challenges for the McLaren driver. His ability to manage tire degradation and fend off aggressive overtakes will be key to securing a win in Mexico.