Lando Norris has been one of the top performers throughout the season. Based on the form McLaren had before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, everyone expected Lando to be a contender to win the race in Baku. However, his qualifying performance has made it very difficult for him to win the race.
During the Qualifying session of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Lando Norris found himself out of contention after the end of Q1. This came as a shock as McLaren is one of the fastest cars on the grid. His teammate, Oscar Piastri went on to qualify in 2nd for a front-row start for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. So there is no doubt that McLaren had the pace. So why did Norris get knocked out?
Lando Norris’ qualifying ruined by yellow flags?
The track conditions at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix kept changing as time went on. The first runs that were done by the cars in Q1 meant nothing as the track conditions would be much better at the end of the session. So as Lando began his final run, his time through sector 2 was good enough for the top 3.
But as the British driver came towards the pit straight, he went straight into the pits instead of completing his lap. Later, a replay was shown where we could see Norris going wide while coming out of turn 16. His lap time was compromised because of that. However, during the post-race interview, Lando claimed that he was shown the yellow flag and was asked to lift off the accelerator.
Lando Norris following his Q1 exit in Baku:
“Just everyone did their second laps and I didn’t so. I had to lift [for yellows]. It is what it is, long race ahead, we have some good tyres in the bank, I don’t know…”
“I’m still hopeful we can get a good result, the car is still… pic.twitter.com/yhC25E0fbf
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 14, 2024
If Norris had completed that lap, there is no doubt that he would have been a contender for pole position. But instead, Leclerc was able to make it his 4th consecutive pole position at this circuit.
But Norris could still pull something off during the race. Considering that the McLaren has a strong race pace, he should be able to get through the field. After all, overtaking is quite easy on this circuit due to its long straights.
What does this mean for Norris’ Championship chances?
With only 8 more races to go, Norris is sitting in 2nd place, 62 points behind Max Verstappen. Although Verstappen only qualified in 6th place for the race tomorrow, he will still have the advantage as Norris will start in 17th. However, it is a street race… Anything can happen.
But given where Norris is starting in Azerbaijan, he should worry more about the drivers behind him in the Drivers’ Championship. Charles Leclerc is currently just 24 points behind Norris. The Ferrari driver has a chance to surpass Norris in the Championship if he wins the race and the McLaren driver scores no points.
CHARLES LECLERC TAKES POLE IN BAKU!
An absolutely magnificent lap from the Monegasque driver! #F1 #AzerbaijanGP pic.twitter.com/2DfOWiIb9C
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) September 14, 2024
Given the starting grid and the Drivers’ Championship order, we are in for a very exciting Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Do you think Norris will be able to recover from p17 during the race? Post your thoughts in the comments section below.
