Norris laments rotten Spanish GP luck: 'Nothing I could do'

Lando Norris conceded there was nothing he could do as a costly virtual safety car left him stranded in third at the Spanish Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli taking the win at the Madring.

After producing what team principal Andrea Stella called a "masterpiece" lap to claim pole, Norris led the opening 14 laps in total control. But Lance Stroll's spin triggered a VSC that changed everything. Norris missed the pit-entry window by five seconds, while Kimi Antonelli and Max Verstappen both dived into the pits. Norris followed a lap later and emerged fifth.

Why it matters:

In a championship battle this tight, turning pole into a podium rather than victory is a painful outcome. McLaren had the pace to win in Spain, and points dropped like these can define a title campaign.

The details:

• Norris pitted just as the VSC was ending, losing track position to Antonelli, Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and George Russell.
• Mercedes pitted Russell a second time and Leclerc stopped late, promoting Norris to third — but he simply ran out of road.
• Despite hounding Verstappen over the closing laps, passing proved nearly impossible around the Madring.
• Norris described his own drive as "a perfect race" and felt the result "got away from us."

What's next:

Norris remains confident McLaren can add to its win tally before the season ends. "We'll keep our heads up and keep pushing," he said. "More wins are possible." With the car clearly quick enough, the hope is that fortune finally swings his way.