Lando Norris admits McLaren had no answer for Max Verstappen’s speed in Imola GP

Lando Norris climbed from fourth to second in Formula 1’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, but admitted that the leading Red Bull of Max Verstappen was simply too “fast” around the Imola GP circuit. 

McLaren won five of the last six races, but conceded defeat to the Red Bull of Verstappen after the Dutchman took the lead of the race in the opening lap. Despite a late charge from Norris after the safety car, the Brit couldn’t chase down Verstappen. 

“I think second was best we could achieve today,” Norris told Sky TV after the Imola GP.

“Max was fast, the Red Bull was quick, you know, so I don’t think we really had an answer to them – even in the final stint, you know.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

“Just a long race, a lot of options that came and went. But I think second was the best we could do today. So, I’m happy with that.” 

Norris continued that even if he had managed to qualify on the front row instead of fourth, “Max was too quick for us.” 

This mirrored the experience of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, who took his third pole position of the season in Imola. However, his lead of the race didn’t last long as Verstappen lunged around the outside of Tamburello to take first position on the opening lap. 

The Dutchman’s victory means just 22 points separate the top three drivers, with Verstappen in third, Norris second and Piastri leading with 146 points to his name. 

After closing the gap to his team-mate, Norris says he is now feeling “happy” and “positive” about his performance on Sunday to recover from an underwhelming qualifying at Imola. 

“I’m very happy with my Sundays,” Norris said. 

“I have been the whole season, and I still feel like I’m very strong. It’s just my Saturdays just make my life way too difficult come Sunday.

“I have to fight back. I always need to take risks with overtakes. I work harder than what I should and what I need to.

“So, I’m still confident. I’m happy. I’m positive.” 

The McLaren racer will have another chance to close the gap on Piastri next week when Formula 1 races in Monaco for the second grand prix in a triple-header that concludes at the Spanish Grand Prix a week later. 

Photos from Imola GP –  Race