Norris sees McLaren's double points finish as "reward for hard work"
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
Following a very good eighth-place finish, McLaren rookie Lando Norris praised the Woking-based team as himself as well as teammate Carlos Sainz scored more good points in their bid to win the midfield battle.
Norris started the race in seventh and finished in eighth, dropping a place from his starting position despite overtaking Renault driver Nico Hülkenberg.
The fact he dropped a position was mainly due to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing's two drivers getting past after suffering grid penalties before the race, with Sergio Pérez also getting past after the Virtual Safety Car.
Still, four more points for Norris and another great day for McLaren, who seem to have fourth place in the constructors' championship all but secured.
“Today has been a positive day for the team with good points," the only teenager on the grid said.
"Carlos and I both made good starts and gained positions. My first stint was reasonably good with decent pace, but then the VSC after my pit-stop shook things up.
“Cars came out of the pits from the VSC who were slower, preventing me from pushing as much as I wanted to, and then I was vulnerable to cars behind on fresher tyres. It was tough to keep the Renault and Racing Point behind. But overall a good weekend with more points for the team, a good reward for their hard work.”