Lando Norris isn’t convinced Max Verstappen has done better than him at extracting the potential of his car so far this season.
Verstappen claimed his third pole position for a grand prix this year in Miami. Norris, who made mistakes at turn 17 on both his laps in Q3, will start alongside him.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said after qualifying the team “tend to let Max take pole position” when the times between them are close. But Norris said there’s no way to know whether Verstappen is getting more from his car, pointing out the large gap between the world champion and his team mate Yuki Tsunoda.
“It’s impossible to know what car he’s got compared to us,” said Norris. “The advantage we have is two quick drivers and they don’t – or, we have a car that’s capable of allowing drivers to drive it quicker.
“But it’s impossible to actually know the difference between the two cars.”
Norris arrived in Miami having qualified sixth and 10th for the previous two grands prix. He said he was pleased to claim second on the grid for Sunday’s race.
“I’m very happy with the end result,” he said. “It’s just a shame when you miss out on pole, so that’s the only frustrating bit.
“But I’ve been trying different things with the team to try and work a bit more in this area and things have been taking a step forward, so I’m happy. Maybe we’re not quite there yet, but I’m happy with the progress.”
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Before qualifying, Norris won the sprint race and moved one point closer to Oscar Piastri in the lead of the championship. He pursued his team mate for much of the race, pitted to change to slick tyres on the lap after him, and took the lead thanks to the timing of a Safety Car period.
While admitting luck played a role in his win, Norris said he was pleased with his car’s balance during the race. “The tyres were degrading a lot the last few laps,” he explained. “It was pretty much dry for the most part, apart from the chicane section.
“But I think I just kept my tyres in a maybe slightly better condition and still had good pace. Obviously, then I had to do one more lap where I could push in the clean air and it was a strong lap again. So it was just good management, good pace throughout. The car was feeling very good, so I was happy.”
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2025 Miami Grand Prix
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