After an outstanding qualifying with fourth place, Lando Norris expects a “tough race”, while team-mate Daniel Ricciardo “felt comfortable in the car” despite P9
The McLaren team were able to confirm their strong impression from Friday in qualifying. Lando Norris set the fourth fastest time, while teammate Daniel Ricciardo had to settle for ninth place.
“It was a very good lap, but not quite a perfect one,” said Norris. “I had a big stray at turn five, but even if I’d hit the lap perfectly, I wouldn’t have moved up a position.”
After Friday, however, the Briton wouldn’t have expected to be beaten in the process by Mercedes driver George Russell: “George was a surprise, especially because they were bad yesterday and last week in qualifying. After yesterday I would have thought we had a chance against them, but they found their normal pace. “
Norris expects “tough” race: Red Bulls and Hamilton faster
“But generally it was good and I’m happy with my lap,” Norris analysed. After the French Grand Prix, the McLaren driver sharply criticised the MCL36 for only working well over a fast lap, but for not being competitive in the race.
However, with the overtaking problem in Hungary, this should be less of a problem on Sunday. In addition, the McLarens’ race simulation was very strong in the second free practice session. “Hopefully there won’t be as much happening tomorrow,” Norris hopes.
HungarianGP longrun analysis from FP2:Ferrari seems to be unbeatable in the race trim. RB had no chance to match the pace of Sainz and Leclerc, while Mercedes has some serious work to do. McLaren and Aston Martin strong, but it is the qualifying that matters most. F1 pic.twitter.com/wsdLH288UD
– Kevin Hermann (@MST_KevinH) July 29, 2022
“There shouldn’t be a chance at the front because everyone in front of me is faster. But coming from behind are Verstappen, Perez and Lewis [Hamilton], who should be a lot quicker. That’s why it could be a tough race. “
Ricciardo despite P9: “Felt more comfortable in the car “
“Daniel behind me will defend well though, so we should have a good chance,” said Norris. For his teammate, the drive for the points should be more difficult with the Red Bull drivers coming from behind.
“I definitely felt a bit better with the car,” Ricciardo said after qualifying. “I wasn’t happy with Q3 though. I’m still trying to finally get a full lap together, but Q1 and Q2 weren’t too bad.”