Lando Norris says finishing ahead of Max Verstappen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix was “huge” for his hopes of chasing the world championship leader.
After a tragic early exit from Saturday’s qualifying, Norris came from 15th to finish fourth for McLaren in Baku, overtaking Red Bull’s Verstappen in the closing stages despite starting nine places behind the Dutchman.
As a result, Norris cut Verstappen’s lead in the drivers’ championship to 59 points with seven rounds remaining, the first of which follows in Singapore.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Lando Norris could have a big moment in the championship after finishing fourth after starting the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in 15th place, ahead of title contender Max Verstappen.
“I just need points,” Norris said. Sky Sports F1. “Of course, finishing ahead of Max is really great, considering where we started and our (title) hopes.
“Yesterday is still in my memory. It’s just because I was frustrated and wondered what it would have been like if it hadn’t happened. Anyway, it was a good day.”
Not only did Norris unexpectedly beat Verstappen, but his team-mate Oscar Piastri’s victory also gave McLaren the lead in the Constructors’ Championship.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Lando Norris had a good start at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, finishing 13th as Charles Leclerc held on to the lead.
It is the first time McLaren has led the standings since 2014, while Red Bull has dropped out of the standings for the first time since June 2022.
Norris contributed to Piastri’s win, slowing down Red Bull’s Sergio Perez as the Mexican attempted an undercut to help his team-mate maintain track position.
“It’s a great result for us as a team, and I’m even more delighted to have won an Oscar,” Norris said. “It’s the first time in years that we’ve beaten the builders and come out on top, so it’s definitely amazing to be a part of that.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Lando Norris holds on to Sergio Perez to allow teammate Oscar Piastri to pit and get in front of the Red Bull driver.
“It gave Oscar a chance to get ahead and win today. I’m glad I helped him and played a small part in that. For our team, that’s why we’re here.
“It was perfect to get first and fourth place.”
Verstappen: We didn’t lose many points even in a bad weekend.
After a dismal performance at Monza two weeks ago, Red Bull appeared to have found some answers during practice in Baku on Friday, but a change to their set-up going into Saturday seemed to have turned things around.
Verstappen lost qualifying to Perez for the first time in 34 races on Saturday and was surprisingly slower than the Red Bulls again on Sunday as he struggled with his brakes.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Max Verstappen said Red Bull knew they could do better after another tough weekend that left them behind title contender Lando Norris, effectively responding to a safety car infringement investigation report.
“It was a pretty tough race,” Verstappen said. Sky Sports F1. “I don’t think the final change after the qualifiers was right. We paid the price for it.
“It was really simple because if you look at Czech (Perez), he had a much better race. He looked more comfortable.
“We tried different things on our end, but it didn’t work. As a team, we win and lose.
“Of course I’m not happy with the performance. Sometimes it pays to make a few final changes before the qualifiers, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case this time.”
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Race highlights from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who has not won in seven races so far, said it was “unrealistic” for him and Red Bull to maintain their respective championship leads unless the team’s performance improved after their sixth-place finish at Monza.
Asked if his perspective had changed since the weekend in Baku, he said: “It was a pretty bad weekend for me, but we didn’t lose that many points.
“I think that’s a positive thing, and I know we can do a lot better. We’ll try to do that next time.”
Formula 1’s thrilling 2024 season continues next weekend with more incredible street circuit action live on Sky Sports F1, this time under the lights at the Singapore Grand Prix. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership – no contract, cancel anytime
