"A lot of people are talking nonsense": Lando Norris hits back at critics for Baku Q1 exit commentary

McLaren driver Lando Norris has claimed that many people after his Q1 exit from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying last Saturday were "talking nonsense". The British driver failed to make it out of the Q1 zone and qualified P17 for the main race on Sunday, September 15.

The 24-year-old was unlucky in the final flying lap as he got caught out by a slow-moving Alpine of Esteban Ocon, heading into Turn 16. The race stewards decided to show a yellow in the middle sector momentarily in the final few seconds of the Q1 session. The yellow flags caught out a fast-charging Norris, who had to slow down, and came straight into the pits as he failed to improve his time.

Speaking on F1TV, Lando Norris hit back at the critics who cited that the Brit interpreted the yellow flag as a white one. He said (via RaceFans):

“This was one of the most unfair things that I think has happened in a long time. I went off the track, yes, but then there’s the yellow flag and you [viewers] can’t see the flag. So everyone was talking about the white flag and all this nonsense.

"What they can’t see is my dash, which had big yellow lights on. So a lot of people are talking nonsense and stuff like that. But I had to lift and that took away my chances.”

Lando Norris chimes in on finishing ahead of Max Verstappen

McLaren driver Lando Norris has stated that he was delighted to finish ahead of Red Bull driver and title rival Max Verstappen at the end of the Azerbaijan GP. He started the race from P15 after moving a couple of places due to issues with Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly post-qualifying.

Speaking with Sky Sports, the Brit said:

"I just need points. Of course, to finish ahead of Max is spectacular, from where we started and for our (title) hopes. Yesterday is still on my mind because it was just frustrating, and what could have been if that didn't happen? Anyway, a good day."

"A good result for us as a team, Oscar-winning I'm even happier for. For us to be on top of the constructors, it's the first time in many, many years so to play a part in that is obviously amazing. I'm happy I helped him out and played a small part in that. For us as a team, that's what we are here to do. "

Lando Norris trails Max Verstappen by 59 points with seven races and three sprints remaining in the 2024 season and sits in P2 with 254 points. However, he is closely followed in the race by Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, who are hot on his tails and trail him by 19 points and 32 points, respectively.