Lando Norris explained the “trick” that will result in a good lap around the Circuit of the Americas after taking second on the grid for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Sprint Race.
The Brit looked set to take pole but was bumped down by Max Verstappen in the final seconds of the session, leaving him to line-up alongside the Dutchman, with title rival and team-mate Oscar Piastri in third.
Norris, who took to the track off the back of admitting he suffered “repercussions” for his role in the controversial incident with Piastri in Singapore two weeks ago, was unable to quite do enough to nullify the challenge from the Red Bull man.
Speaking after qualifying, Norris confessed that he was unable to do enough to secure pole, he was pleased with the overall result and outcome.
“Wasn’t good enough to be on pole, but it’s not a surprise for us to be a bit slower than the Red Bull,” he said.
“So still pretty happy. A couple of things here and there that I could have improved on, I caught a few of the bumps a little wrong, let’s say.
“That is just the difficulty of this track. Otherwise, all happy.”
Norris ‘would have loved to have been a little quicker’
The characteristics of COTA means for a strong set-up on raceday, with an extreme amount of bumps providing a sterner aspect to an already stern challenge.
For Norris, it is a case of being content with the idea of not knowing exactly how the car will handle through the particularly bumpy parts at the start of the lap.
“I am sure if you ask most people if they are confident through sector one, I am sure they will say no,” he said. “I am happy with not being very comfortable. I think that is kind of the trick.
“Otherwise, it’s ok. The laps are pretty good, I found good steps of time throughout.
“It is just easy to catch a bump at the wrong angle or a bit too much throttle here and there over the bumps. Not the end of the world, but would have loved to have been a little quicker.”
“I am sure if you ask most people if they are confident through sector one, I am sure they will say no.
“I am happy with not being very comfortable. I think that is kind of the trick. Otherwise, it’s ok. The laps are pretty good, I found good steps of time throughout.
“It is just easy to catch a bump at the wrong angle or a bit too much throttle here and there over the bumps. Not the end of the world, but would have loved to have been a little quicker.”
READ MORE – Max Verstappen expects ‘tough battle’ from pole in F1 US GP Sprint
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