“Clearly much quicker”: Lando Norris reacts after Max Verstappen’s stellar performance wins the 3x F1 champ Austrian GP pole

McLaren driver Lando Norris was in amazement at Red Bull ace Max Verstappen's race pace after the Dutchman's pole victory in Austrian GP qualifying. Verstappen beat his closest competitor in Norris by four-tenths of a second.

The atmosphere at the Red Bull Ring was electric as Max Verstappen clinched his 40th career pole position. The Dutch driver’s impeccable lap time of 1:04.314 sent the crowd into a frenzy, marking his fifth consecutive pole at the Austrian circuit.

This achievement puts him in elite company, with Ayrton Senna holding the record for the most consecutive poles at a single track with seven at Imola from 1985 to 1991. Other notable records include Lewis Hamilton’s six poles at Albert Park (2014-2019) and Michael Schumacher’s five poles in both Barcelona (2000-2004) and Suzuka (1998-2002).

Following the event, Lando Norris, who secured P2 in Austria, reflected on the qualifying session, acknowledging Verstappen’s superior pace. He said (via Sky Sports):

"I think it was as much as we could do today. Max was in a league of his own. Clearly much quicker than what we had, so I’m happy.

"Tricky conditions, felt a bit more difficult than it was yesterday, a lot closer. More difficult to get the laps in and perfect them. It was good enough and I’ll take it."

Meanwhile, Verstappen himself had a similar take on the pace of his Red Bull. He said following the qualifying session (via Grand Prix 247):

"The whole session went really well and the car was in a better window; I could push harder, the car was sticking and I am actually quite surprised by the gap."

The reigning three-time world champion has already won seven races this season. With the pole position secured ahead of Red Bull's home race in Austria, Verstappen looks primed for yet another victory, as he cruises towards a fourth consecutive world title.

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Lando Norris previews "tough" job for Sunday as he starts behind Max Verstappen

Looking ahead to the race on Sunday, Lando Norris anticipates a tough challenge. Despite securing his first career Grand Prix win earlier this year in Miami, Norris remains realistic about the task at hand. He said (via Sky Sports):

"It’s tough. When you look at the pace today, it’s clear that we’re going to give it a lot. We’re going to need something extra to beat the pace of Max and the Red Bulls."

Norris expressed his determination to perform better in the race. He added:

"I’ll try. I’ll do a better job than I did this morning, that’s for sure. I’m excited. I’ll look forward to it. It’s a long race, many things can happen, and normally we’re better in the races than we are in qualifying, so let’s see."

Earlier in the day, Lando Norris and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri both finished behind Max Verstappen in the sprint race at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Norris currently finds himself in second position in the F1 Drivers' standings. Verstappen maintains a 51-point lead over the British driver after ten races so far in the 2024 Championship.