Lando Norris feels Max Verstappen would have “lapped” him if he started at the front of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The British driver began on pole but finished sixth after making the costly choice to pit for fresh tires moments before a red flag in wet conditions at Interlagos.
Verstappen, meanwhile, began 17th and recovered to snap his 10-race winless skid, extending his lead in the Formula One drivers’ championship to 62 points.
Crucially, Verstappen did not pit prior to the red light and changed his tyres during the delay, having passed Norris while the McLaren driver was in the pits.
The three-time world champion eventually won the race by 19 seconds over both Alpine drivers, who completed a shock podium.
McLaren struggled for performance in the race despite a new rear wing, prompting Norris to be queried by media outlets such as RacingNews365 whether this had a role: “The [rear] wing was helping, we just weren’t quick enough.
“Max was significantly faster than us. I believe if he had started from the front, he would have lapped us. The pace was good, I believe, close to George [Russell], although the Red Bull was significantly faster.”
Norries ‘owns up’ to the mistake
Norris led the race for only a few metres until being passed by George Russell at the first turn.
Russell led the race until he and Norris pitted, with the McLaren driver believing his fellow Briton deserved to win.
Without the red flag, Norris planned to finish third, still trailing Verstappen.
In addition to pitting, the 24-year-old was forced to exit the circuit at the first corner after a mid-race safety car restart.
“There wasn’t much more I could have done. I’m sure George feels like he won the race today since he earned it more than everyone else.
“I probably finished third, so it’s tough. Max would have came through regardless and probably beaten us.
“Just unlucky for us, nothing more. I made a few blunders, which I admit cost me a couple of positions in the end.
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