Norris Admits Overcoming Verstappen at Italian GP is 'Big Challenge' After P2 Qualifying

Why it matters: Lando Norris qualified second for the Italian Grand Prix, putting McLaren in a strong position, but he acknowledges the formidable challenge of beating pole-sitter Max Verstappen. His teammate Oscar Piastri will start P3, highlighting McLaren's strong form.### The details: * Norris missed pole by just 0.077 seconds, with Verstappen setting a record lap at Monza.* The Briton described his qualifying session as "up and down" with "too many mistakes," but expressed satisfaction with his final P2 effort.* "Max has been quicker this weekend, and it's never a surprise with Max," Norris stated, underscoring Verstappen's dominant pace.* He added, "Our race on Sunday is normally our strength. But to get past Max, I'm sure it's going to be a big challenge."* Norris also highlighted the threat from behind, noting the strong pace of the Ferraris.### Meanwhile, Piastri... * Oscar Piastri, starting P3, expressed confidence despite a "trickier" weekend, having missed FP1.* He admitted the competition has been "incredibly tight," with many teams showing strong pace.### What's next: McLaren aims to leverage its strong race pace in Sunday's Grand Prix, but faces a tough battle against Red Bull and the home-crowd motivated Ferraris. Norris emphasized that "many things can happen" in a long race at Monza.