
During the intense heat of the race, under the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) conditions, Lando Norris experienced a challenging encounter with Sergio Perez, costing him a significant 10 seconds in race time. The episode emerged post-collision between Perez and Kevin Magnussen’s Haas, requiring pit stops for both.
Under the VSC, Norris, who ultimately clinched the P2 position, found himself approaching Perez at a perplexingly slow pace. Uncertainty arose; Norris was caught in a dilemma, unsure if overtaking the Red Bull was permissible.
On being probed about the unexpected slow-down by Perez during the VSC phase, Norris expressed his befuddlement, “Honestly, I was at a loss. It was clear Perez had some issue. Yet, overtaking under VSC is taboo. His erratic speed, combined with the nearing end of the VSC, left me dumbfounded and admittedly a bit frustrated inside the cockpit.”
He continued, “In those moments, clarity is crucial. If Perez had an issue, a clear signal would’ve been beneficial. The uncertainty cost us time and added unnecessary stress. Nevertheless, I believe I made the right call, given the circumstances.”
Norris highlighted the silver lining, applauding his team and co-driver, Oscar Piastri, for their outstanding performance at Suzuka, which he considered a step-up from the previous race in Singapore. Norris beamed, “Japan was a remarkable race. Having both our cars on the podium felt surreal. It’s a testament to our combined effort, speed, and strategy. We didn’t just rely on luck; we earned our spot.”
Jokingly, Norris added, “Given Verstappen’s prowess, I half-expected him to lap us a couple of times. However, considering the challenges, finishing only 19 seconds behind Max was a significant achievement.”
He concluded with optimism regarding McLaren’s future, “Our progress is evident. We’ve closed the gap significantly with Aston Martin in the Constructors’ Championship. This race, once again, underscores our potential and commitment.”
With a string of successful races and evident progress, McLaren’s journey in the racing world continues to inspire and garner admiration.
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