Azerbaijan GP: Norris Eyes Strong Result After Qualifying Setback

Azerbaijan Grand Prix sees Lando Norris remain “hopeful” for a strong result, despite starting 16th. Yellow flags hampered the McLaren driver’s qualifying session, preventing him from advancing beyond Q1. He initially qualified 17th but moves up a spot due to Pierre Gasly’s disqualification. Norris, chasing a 62-point gap to Max Verstappen, acknowledges the difficulty of overtaking on the tight Baku street circuit.

He faces additional challenges with slower cars running low downforce to boost their straight-line speed. Norris emphasized the importance of race strategy. “We have good tyres in the bank,” he said, while acknowledging that overtaking will be tough because of the track layout and the aerodynamic setups of the cars ahead. Despite his frustration with qualifying, he accepted that the situation was beyond his control.

“Everything will depend on strategy,” Norris said, expressing caution about his chances unless the race turns chaotic, a common occurrence in Baku. Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate has been asked to assist with his title bid and qualified second behind pole-sitter Charles Leclerc. Leclerc earned his fourth consecutive pole in Baku but has yet to win at the track. He remains optimistic but cautious, noting that tyre degradation will play a key role in the race.

Carlos Sainz starts third, followed by Sergio Perez, George Russell and Verstappen. Verstappen, who qualified sixth, expressed dissatisfaction with the car’s performance and feels uncertain about his chances of challenging for victory. The unpredictable nature of the Azerbaijan GP with frequent red flags and safety cars, often opens up opportunities for drivers starting further back, like Norris.