F1 News Today: Lando Norris Faces Major Qualifying Setback ahead of….readmore
Lando Norris, the current leader in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, has suffered a major setback heading into the Bahrain Grand Prix. The McLaren driver will start Sunday’s race from sixth on the grid following a disappointing qualifying performance, dealing a blow to his title challenge early in the season.
Norris, who has been one of the standout performers so far this year, failed to extract the maximum pace from his McLaren during Saturday’s session. Despite high expectations, he could only manage the sixth fastest time, finishing just ahead of his main title rival, Max Verstappen, who will start seventh. This unexpected result puts both drivers on the back foot as they prepare to battle through the midfield in what promises to be a closely fought race.
Norris admitted post-session that the car didn’t feel as balanced as in previous weekends, which hindered his ability to push for a top-three start. Meanwhile, McLaren’s struggles on the high-speed, abrasive Sakhir circuit came as a surprise, especially after a strong start to the season. The team will now have to rely on strategy and race pace to claw back positions on Sunday.
On the other side of the grid, Oscar Piastri delivered a standout performance for McLaren, securing his maiden pole position. His pace has added a silver lining to McLaren’s day, showing the car’s potential when hooked up properly.
Meanwhile, the ever-consistent Lewis Hamilton faced a tough session of his own. The seven-time world champion failed to make a significant impact in qualifying, continuing a difficult run of form for Ferrari, who had hoped for a stronger showing. Hamilton will start from ninth on the grid, marking a challenging start to his weekend in Bahrain.
Mercedes also encountered setbacks, with both drivers outside the top three, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to secure a second-row start, keeping the team’s hopes alive.
As the grid lines up for Sunday’s race, the stage is set for an unpredictable Grand Prix. With Norris and Verstappen both starting outside the top five, fans can expect a fierce midfield battle, strategic plays, and possibly some surprises under the lights in Bahrain.
