Norris fury after qualifying crash as FIA confirms…..read more
British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris was visibly upset after another disappointing qualifying session, this time at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. The McLaren driver had high hopes going into the weekend but saw his chances unravel due to a costly mistake during qualifying. Norris made contact with the wall in what he admitted was a “clumsy” crash, which ultimately saw him drop down the order and start the race from a frustrating 10th position on the grid.
The incident happened during one of the key moments of qualifying as Norris was pushing to improve his time. Unfortunately, he misjudged his approach on one of the trickiest sections of the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, clipping the wall and damaging his car. Although the crash wasn’t major in terms of damage, it was enough to ruin his flying lap and prevent him from progressing to a stronger starting position.
Norris didn’t hold back in his post-session interviews. Clearly disappointed with himself, he described the mistake as avoidable and expressed frustration at letting down the team, who had worked hard to give him a competitive car. “I just miscalculated. It’s a high-speed track and you’ve got to be on the edge, but I went over it,” Norris said. “It was my fault, and it cost us a better spot for tomorrow.”
The McLaren team also appeared dejected, as they had been optimistic about a strong showing in Saudi Arabia. With upgrades on the car and positive feedback from practice sessions, the team believed they could compete for a top-five position. However, with Norris now having to fight from the midfield, it significantly reduces his chances of securing a podium finish.
This isn’t the first time Norris has had a difficult qualifying session in Saudi Arabia. Last year, he also faced challenges at this fast-paced street circuit, which has quickly gained a reputation for being unforgiving with its narrow layout and high-speed corners. For a driver known for consistency and precision, the recent struggles have been uncharacteristic.
Adding to the drama surrounding the event, a fan favourite has confirmed their absence from the Saudi GP weekend. Although not directly related to Norris, the news contributed to a tense atmosphere in the paddock. Fans who were eagerly anticipating a full grid were left disappointed as confirmation came through that the driver, whose identity has yet to be publicly disclosed in detail, would not be participating due to unforeseen circumstances. Speculation points towards either health concerns or personal issues, though official sources remain tight-lipped.
The absence of a crowd-puller from the starting grid, combined with Norris’s unfortunate incident, has somewhat dampened the excitement leading up to the race. Nevertheless, Formula 1 remains unpredictable, and Sunday’s Grand Prix still promises plenty of action. Norris will now be aiming for damage control — trying to gain positions early in the race and possibly take advantage of any incidents or strategy changes ahead of him.
Despite the setback, Lando Norris remains determined. “We’ll keep fighting,” he added. “It’s not the ideal place to start, but we’ve recovered from worse. We just have to make the most of it and try to get some good points for the team.”
The Saudi Arabian GP, known for its rapid layout and the potential for chaos, could still present opportunities. But for Norris, the challenge is now much steeper — and his patience will be tested once again.
