Norris Remains Defiant Despite Frustrating Azerbaijan Grand Prix
Baku, Azerbaijan – Lando Norris expressed frustration but remained resolute after finishing fifth at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a result hampered by a slow pit stop and challenging overtaking conditions. The McLaren driver felt he maximized his performance despite the difficulties, stating, “I could have ended up in the wall and gone long and something worse happened. I felt like I was close to maximising today.”
NorrisS race was compromised by a second consecutive slow pit stop for McLaren, costing him potential track position. He believes the incident potentially cost him at least two places. Despite the setback, and acknowledging the strength of his rivals, Norris is focused on closing the points gap. “I’m doing the best I can. I know I’ve still got a lot of points to make up against a pretty good driver, an incredible driver. I just need to keep my head down,” he said.
The race also saw a strong performance from George Russell of Mercedes, who secured second place despite battling illness throughout the weekend. Russell admitted relief at the finish, stating, “I was pretty glad when I saw the chequered flag, to be honest,” adding that he felt “much better today than I felt on Friday and Saturday.”
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff revealed the team had considered replacing russell with reserve driver Valtteri Bottas earlier in the weekend, praising Russell’s determination to compete and perform despite his condition. “On Friday, it was touch and go,” Wolff said.”Then somehow he recovered but overnight it got worse, every single day. So I think it was a big push for him to even drive, and then to perform like this is mega.” Wolff highlighted the physical and mental demands of the Baku circuit, noting Russell completed the race ”without putting a single foot wrong.”
