Lando Norris: I’m happy with third place

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri occupied the second row of the starting field at the Canadian Grand Prix, recording third and fourth fastest times. The team is satisfied with the result and expects to reach the podium in the race.

Lando Norris (3rd): “I’m very happy! First of all, my congratulations to Mr Russell. He has been fast all weekend, so I congratulate him and Mercedes.

I’m happy with third place. When the holes are so minimal you always think: could I have squeezed a little more out of the car? But third place is a good result for us. I’m happy and looking forward to the race.

We love coming to Montreal for sessions like this. Half the time you think you’re going to crash the car, but then you do a good lap and finish third. Nice feeling”.

Oscar Piastri (4th): “I don’t even know whether to be happy or angry. I think it was very difficult for everyone in the qualifying final. Look at George Russell for example: in the third session he completed his lap almost three tenths worse than in the second.

The difficulties were also explained by the fact that the condition of the track changed. Probably every one of the top five drivers can say to themselves: “If I had done anything differently, I would have finished on pole.” If I had done a clear lap, everyone, including myself, could have won qualifying by half a second.

There were definitely turns I could have taken better, but everyone would say the same. However, no more excuses are needed as I am more or less satisfied with my results. Even if it is a shame to lose just a tenth.

When qualifying goes like today, things can easily happen, so it’s good to see both McLaren cars starting from the second row. Furthermore, both Ferrari drivers failed to qualify for the third session and even Red Bull only had one car in the final. So we are still fighting for the constructors’ championship!”