During the qualifying session of the Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix, which was interrupted twice by a red flag, the McLaren drivers occupied the first row – for the first time since the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix. Lando Norris won the third start of his career, but he beat his teammate Oscar Piastri by only 22 thousandths of a second. Max Verstappen finished behind them in third place, but the three-time and defending world champion was only 46 thousandths of a second behind.
At the end of the qualification, the former GP3 and W Series competitor, currently contributing to Channel 4’s F1 broadcasts, Alice Powell made by it interviews with the first three places.
“It wasn’t an easy qualifying session because of the changing conditions, but I’m happy and it’s even better that we have the front row” he enthused Norris. “We went into this weekend with confidence and knew we were capable of doing a good job. We have a car that is good enough to fight for pole position and we did that today.”
“The team did a great job, because we are improving from week to week. We are in the best position, so whatever the circumstances, I am looking forward to the race. As long as we can stay ahead, we control the competition” – the McLaren driver looked ahead. “I expect us to have a good race, otherwise we won’t have a good day. But our car is good and I feel like I’m driving well, so it’s clear what our aim is tomorrow.”
The first three places in qualifying (bj): Oscar Piastri (Australian, McLaren, 2nd), Lando Norris (British, McLaren, 1st), Max Verstappen (Dutch, Red Bull, 3rd). (Photo: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Although it is inferior to that in the house and in the fight for pole position Plates is also happy that the Woking guard has appropriated the first row, he admitted that something still bothers him. “Of course we’re very happy, but I’m only two centuries short, so you think about the little things you could have done better. From the team’s point of view, however, this is a wonderful result” said the Australian.
“As far as I’m concerned, we had a tricky day yesterday, but today and especially now we managed to fight back. It wasn’t easy, because we had to make a lot of decisions.”
Although based on the differences Verstappen was also a chance for the first starting spot, he feels that Red Bull was already a step behind McLaren yesterday. “I tried, but we were a bit behind all weekend and I think it’s the same now. I tried to stay as close as possible, but unfortunately it was just not enough. It would be difficult to determine why this is, but I would be happier if I had a little more grip.” – the Dutch evaluated his timer.
“Even in third place we are very close, and I hope that tomorrow our car will be at least good enough to keep up” – he missed the chances. “I like when there is competition, but I also like to be in the lead. At the moment, I feel like we’re chasing and we’re going through tougher weekends, but I’m not going to back down from the fight just yet.”
As for Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Verstappen trusts the weather: “In the last few races, we have seen especially from McLaren that they are doing very well in relation to qualifying. Today was cooler than we expected. I think that is due to the clouds and the rain, but tomorrow will be different and I hope that will help us.”
Source: www.vezess.hu
