Lando Norris pulled off an unexpected feat by securing second place at the 2024 Chinese Grand Prix, finding himself sandwiched between the two Red Bull drivers.
In an admission that might raise eyebrows, Norris revealed that he had mentally prepared to leave the event early before Sunday’s race, foreseeing a disappointing outcome. However, fate had other plans for the McLaren driver.
Contrary to his expectations, Norris delivered a stellar performance at the Shanghai International Circuit, outmaneuvering both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez to clinch second position. This achievement marked his second podium finish of the 2024 season.
Norris catapulted himself into contention with a formidable start and seized the opportunity presented by a mid-race Safety Car Period triggered by Valtteri Bottas’s halt on the track. This timely occurrence allowed Norris to make a cost-effective pit stop, propelling him ahead of Perez in the standings.
Opting for an extended first stint, the British driver strategically positioned himself ahead of competitors like Perez, who opted for an earlier pit stop before the safety car period.
Despite the pack being tightly packed following the cessation of the safety car period, neither Perez nor Charles Leclerc could match Norris’s impressive pace.
Reflecting on his performance post-race, Norris expressed his astonishment at securing a podium finish, particularly considering his struggles with tire management during the sprint race on Saturday.
“Surprised, so I’m very happy, I’m happy for the whole team they deserve it,” Norris stated. “Good pitstops, just today worked out, I don’t know why I really wasn’t expecting it to be the kind of race we had today.
“But got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot which was a much easier task than what I had yesterday. And I could just push, the car felt great and felt comfortable. So good day, good points, and another podium. So very happy.”
When it comes to surprises, one of the most striking revelations for Norris centered around Ferrari’s unexpected lack of speed, coupled with McLaren’s ability to contend with Sergio Perez, at least.
Heading into the fifth round of the season, this outcome was far from what Norris had anticipated, filling him with considerable satisfaction.
“I mean, I was surprised by many things,” Norris disclosed. “The lack of pace from Ferrari today, our good pace, and I guess more us compared to the Red Bull which was so surprising.
“So yeah, I mean, I just wasn’t expecting today at all. I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium. So it’s a pleasant surprise, but it shows the team have done a good job. We’re working hard and it’s paying off.”
In a lighthearted moment, Norris engaged in a wager with his team before the race, speculating on the gap between McLaren and Ferrari at the finish line.
However, Norris’s prediction that Ferrari would trail by 35 seconds proved to be remarkably off the mark, with Charles Leclerc crossing the line in fourth place, just 23.6 seconds behind Verstappen.
“I made a bet to how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today,” Norris disclosed. “And I thought 35 seconds and I was very wrong by that.
“So yeah, I’m happy to be wrong with myself from my own bets. But yeah, good day for everyone.”
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