Norris rues latest missed pole opportunity

Lando Norris felt he had enough pace in hand to take pole position at the United States Grand Prix after being forced to settle for second place.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap during qualifying and bettered Norris' lap by just over one-tenth of a second.

The McLaren driver was also in contention for pole position at the Qatar Grand Prix as McLaren continues its impressive turnaround in form this year.

Norris expressed hesitancy over McLaren's potential form ahead of the weekend at the Circuit of the Americas, leading to surprise over his result after qualifying.

“I'm happy, it's been a very good day,” said the Briton.

“Probably not expected from the end result so a good bonus for the whole team.

“I didn't make as many mistakes as I made last week, which is a good thing but I think we had it today, I think there was enough in it to get pole. I know Charles said he made a few mistakes but so did I.

“So it's a bit of a shame. That one opportunity we missed again, but I'm happy nevertheless.”

Norris expecting strong Leclerc start

Sunday's Grand Prix will present opportunities for Norris, who will have the run to the inside of the corner at the start of the race and asked what prospects lay ahead of him, he replied: “You never know what can happen but [I'm in a] really good position.

“Charles is normally a good starter to get started to be honest there, it's going to be difficult to get him off the line.

“But we’re almost in the best position you can have for a Sunday, so I'm happy with that.”