Lando Norris takes pole for Italian Grand Prix as McLaren clinch one-two
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McLaren's Lando Norris during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
REUTERS
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MONZA – McLaren’s Lando Norris believes that he may struggle a bit during what he expects to be a tough Italian Grand Prix on Sept 1, despite taking pole position in qualifying a day earlier.
The Briton led teammate Oscar Piastri in a one-two on a perfect day for the team, while George Russell will line up third for Mercedes and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc fourth.
“Another pole is amazing. To have first and second when the field has been so tight is surprising,” said Norris, who won the Dutch Grand Prix from pole in the previous race.
“It hurts me to say it but my lap wasn’t great but I am very, very happy. I am not expecting an easy race, there are some unknown things with the tyres and degradation, but I am looking forward to it.”
Crucially, he gave himself a great chance to further cut three-time world champion Max Verstappen’s Formula One championship lead.
Trailing by 70 points in the drivers’ standings, Norris clocked a fastest lap of 1min 19.327sec at Monza, 0.109sec quicker than Piastri, who was equally cautious about the race.
“It was not quite enough (for me), but it was a really good team effort,” the Australian said.
“There was no guarantee of a front-row lock-out, so it was an amazing job to pull it off. Starting second is not always the worst thing so let’s see what the tyres do. With such a tight field, it will be exciting.”
In the third row behind Russell and Leclerc are Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen had a bad day as he qualified seventh, ahead of his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez. Alex Albon of Williams and Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg rounded out the top 10.
Russell, meanwhile, fancies his chances as he is “not too far behind the McLarens”.
“They’re so fast at the moment. We’re working so hard to catch them up, but I’m super happy with third,” he said.
“I think it’s going to be a tight battle. Everybody’s so close out there. It’s so exciting for F1.
“We’ve all been waiting for this competition and knowing if you do a great job, you’ve got a chance of victory. So, I’m pretty pumped for tomorrow.
“I’ll get some pizza tonight to fuel me up... and hopefully we can fight for a good result.”
It was announced before qualifying that Mercedes have signed 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli to replace Hamilton next season, when the Briton makes the switch to Ferrari.
Italy’s Antonelli – who has won one sprint and one feature race for Prema Racing in Formula Two this campaign – will partner Russell, confirming the rumour that has been around for some time.
The teenager said that the move up was a dream come true and thanked the Mercedes team for having faith in him.
“Reaching F1 is a dream I’ve had since I was a small boy,” he said.
“I am still learning a lot, but I feel ready for the opportunity. I’m also really excited to become George’s teammate. He came through the team’s junior programme just like myself and is someone I have a huge amount of respect for.
“I am looking forward to learning from him and working together to deliver on track.”
Russell said he was also eager to work with Antonelli and offer him advice.
“I know how much of a support Lewis was for me throughout my time as a junior driver and since I’ve been his teammate. I’ve learnt so much from him and I hope to play a similar role for Kimi,” he said. REUTERS, AFP
