Lando Norris qualified sixth for the Las Vegas Grand Prix and admitted that it was “too difficult” a session for McLaren but that he’s “not going to give up” in the championship fight.
The 2024 Formula 1 season is quickly coming to an end with only three races left, including this weekend. The Las Vegas Grand Prix has returned for a second year and this weekend could see Max Verstappen secure his fourth Drivers’ Championship victory.
But in order to do so, Verstappen has to finish the race higher than title rival, Lando Norris. During Qualifying, it was looking like Mercedes would dominate and whilst George Russell took pole position, Lewis Hamilton had a tough Q3 session, finishing 10th.
As a result, Verstappen qualified in fifth, just ahead of Norris. Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, will start the race in seventh and Sergio Perez will start in the bottom five after going out in Q1.
Following Qualifying, Norris spoke to media on the Sky broadcast and admitted that for McLaren, it was a challenging session. The British driver also said that it was clear Mercedes, and Ferrari, were the stronger teams around the Las Vegas strip circuit.
When asked if he thought McLaren could battle Mercedes, Norris said: “No, no chance. I mean, probably just the top three/four out of reach. Mercedes have easily been the quickest all weekend, that’s clear.
“Ferrari have been with them. Both Red Bull and ourselves are a decent chunk behind and that showed today.
“We expected a little bit more than where we were, that’s for sure. It could have been if just the lap came together, but we were struggling every corner with something different. One lap it works, and the next lap it doesn’t.
“It was too difficult, basically. Too much of a challenge with our car. When you’re trying to find a lap time but also not go over the limit, it’s a difficult balance. So, just too much of a challenge for us and that showed.”
Not the Qualifying we had hoped for, but we will be sure to give it our all tomorrow. ?#LasVegasGP pic.twitter.com/6ABWZYrwWw
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 23, 2024
Championship fight
Norris was also asked about the championship fight with Verstappen, and whether or not he felt he could continue it into the final two rounds of the season. Speaking on this, Norris shared his thoughts:
“I’ll do everything I can, of course. That’s what I’m here to do. I’m not going to give up till the end even if the chances are extremely thin.
“I’m here to do the best every race I can, whether I’m fighting for a championship or not. So I’ll go out tomorrow, it’s a long race, many things can happen. We’re quick in the straights, so hopefully that can come to our advantage.”
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is tomorrow morning at 6am UK time. Norris has the advantage of having his teammate close by, whilst Verstappen is left alone with Perez in the bottom five.
There is currently a 62-point gap between the two of them, and if Norris wants to continue the championship fight in Qatar, he will need to outscore Verstappen by at least three points.
Headline Image: X @McLarenF1