Norris: It’s important that I start for both Alpine drivers

Of the McLaren drivers, only Lando Norris made it to the qualifying final, while Daniel Ricciardo dropped out after the first session, but the Australian was not only upset by this…

Lando Norris (8th): “I’m happy with the results of qualifying, especially with my lap in the closing session, because I rode it very well. This is one of my best qualifying laps in a long time. It’s not easy to put everything together on this track, especially in our car, so I’m glad I got a good run this lap.

I could hardly have done better, but I have to admit that Lance Stroll did a good job and got ahead of me. It’s a sign that Aston Martin has a fast car and I’m looking forward to fighting them in Sunday’s race.

It is important that I start for Esteban Okona for both Alpine drivers and Daniel, while Fernando Alonso will lose several positions due to a penalty. In the past the races on this track have been quite interesting, it is quite possible to fight with rivals here, although I don’t know yet what it will be like this time.

Let’s see what we can achieve, it will be a long race and the weather will be hot so it will be tough but I like to push hard.”

Daniel Riccardo (17th): “I am very upset, this year everything has somehow failed. Of course, I tried to attack with full force, but did not achieve any result – however, you still have to keep fighting.

When I crossed the finish line I knew the circle was so-so because I almost turned around in several places on the track. This is what happens when you want to rely on a car but let you down. In any case, I will of course prepare for the race and do my best.

But it is clear that this session is not good, in addition, just before qualifying I heard about the death of Dietrich Mateschitz – in general this is all not happy, and I just want to express my condolences to his family and the entire Red Bull team. He played an important role in my career, it was thanks to him that I got into Formula 1 and today’s news made me very sad.

Even after 2018, when I left Red Bull, we kept in touch. As you know, he avoided publicity, but if I knew he was somewhere on the track, I would try to find him and talk to him. His achievements are phenomenal and I, like many other athletes who have worked with Red Bull, will have many fond memories of this extraordinary man.