General
Norris takes this unwanted Formula 1 podium record
Lando Norris rounded out the podium by taking third place at the Australian Grand Prix behind the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, but was very disappointed as he believed his "pace was strong enough for second place."
In what was a dramatic race around the Albert Park street circuit, which saw reliability issues for Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, as well as a last-lap crash for George Russell, Norris drove a calm and collected race to take the 14th podium of his career, which is now the record for the most podiums without a race victory, taking that unwanted record from German Nick Heidfeld.
However, Norris always put the Ferraris ahead of him under pressure after he swapped positions with his teammate Oscar Piastri after the first round of pitstops, who took P4 in what was a good day for McLaren.
Speaking to Guenther Steiner during the post-race interview, Norris said, "It was a very good day for us. Proud of the team. P3, P4 is a lot of points. Ferrari and Carlos did a great job. I wasn't expecting to be on the podium!"
Norris says McLaren 'missed out'
The British driver may have said it was a good day for him and the team, but he cut a dejected figure in the interview, as he believed that he and his team "missed out on Charles" during the pit stops.
"Our pace was a little bit better, but he undercut us. I think our pace was strong enough for second place. It's clear that this circuit suits us a bit more, but there is still another step to catch up to Ferrari and Red Bull. We need to catch up, but it is still getting closer. It's nice to be back on the podium, and, hopefully, we can have many more."