Lando Norris dejected and looking for answers after ‘struggling’ Saturday in Bahrain

All week long at the Formula 1 Grand Prix it looked as if McLaren would lock out the front row during qualifying. Teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri took turns topping the timing sheets in practice, and the rest of the grid pointed to the McLaren duo as again the dominant force heading into qualifying.

While Piastri held up his end of the bargain, taking pole position for Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Norris was left dejected and looking for answers after finishing over four-tenths behind his teammate, qualifying sixth.

“I didn’t even go a tenth quicker [on his second Q3 lap],” said Norris to Sky Sports F1 after qualifying.

“I’m just not quick enough.”

Norris is notorious for being hard on himself, sometimes to a fault. That trait was evident throughout his interviews after qualifying in Bahrain. Asked by Sky Sports F1 what went wrong Norris pointed to himself, literally and figuratively.

“No idea. Honestly, no idea. Just not quick enough,” added Norris, pointing to his chest.

Norris was even more critical of his performance when speaking with the official F1 channel.

“I was just slow. I’ve been slow this whole weekend, to be honest. Nothing too surprising, honestly. I’ve just been off it,” began the McLaren driver. “I feel like I’ve just never driven an F1 car before. I’m struggling a lot, I don’t know why. I need to try and find some answers.

“The car’s amazing. I have nothing to complain about. The car, the team are doing an amazing job, Oscar’s on pole by a good chunk. I’m thankful for the team, they’re doing an amazing job, just I’m letting them down.”

Regarding his prospects for Sunday, Norris conceded that a win is likely out of the cards, but a podium was possible.

“It’s to try and win the race, but I don’t think I’ll win tomorrow. I think to try and aim for a podium will be the best chance,” added Norris.

“I think Oscar will lap everyone. I’ll try and get to second, I guess.”