Lando untouchable
The weekend in Mexico City opened spectacularly for Lando Norris. In a crucial round in the three-way battle for the World Championship, the McLaren driver confirmed the pace he showed in practice, where he had appeared clearly faster than both Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. In qualifying, the #4 clinched a commanding pole position on his final Q3 lap, finishing nearly three tenths ahead of the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Norris didn’t falter in response to Leclerc’s strong lap, which initially had him in provisional pole, showing that he has made a clear mental leap compared to the early part of the season, when he seemed to struggle under pressure in decisive moments. Equally important for the 2024 vice-world champion was seeing Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri far behind him, in fifth and seventh positions respectively.
Here to win
“I’m happy to be back in pole; it’s been a really long time – Norris said to the official F1 channel immediately after qualifying – it was one of those laps where you don’t really know what’s happening. I knew it was decent, but when I crossed the line, I was pleasantly surprised. In the past, I’ve had some good races on this track, so I’ll focus on what I can control. I’m here to win. I’ll look ahead even though I know there are fast drivers behind me, and I know the Ferraris are quick in the race.”
At the moment, it’s impossible not to consider Lando the clear favorite for tomorrow’s victory.
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