Lando Norris cut a dejected figure after qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, admonishing himself for being "clueless" behind the wheel of his McLaren.
The British driver qualified sixth-fastest in Sakhir, despite comfortably having the quickest car in F1. Meanwhile, team-mate Oscar Piastri roared to pole position under the lights of the Bahrain International Circuit.
Lamenting himself and his lack of performance behind the wheel of his MCL39, the drivers' championship leader insists he needs a "big reset" to get himself back on course.
"I mean, it was just every lap, honestly. I've been off every lap this weekend, just not comfortable," Norris told media including RacingNews365.
"No big complaints, the car is amazing. The car's as good as it has been the whole season, which is strong.
"Just, I've been off it all weekend. Don't know why, just clueless on track at the minute. So, I don't know. I just need a big reset, that's all... just not quick enough, simple as that."
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Norris: I 'couldn't care less' about Piastri
Max Verstappen, who is only a point behind Norris in the standings after his sublime victory at Suzuka, qualified seventh, setting up an intense battle between the pair.
However, with Piastri starting first, the Australian could leave Bahrain having taken a chunk out of their advantage. The 24-year-old is currently 13 points back to Norris.
The British driver was quick to shut down any concerns about his team-mate's performance, saying: "I'm not concerned, I'm just concerned about me."
When it was put to him how much damage Piastri can do in the title fight this weekend, the five-time grand prix winner dismissed it.
"Couldn't care less," he shot back. "Like I said, I care about myself. I don't care about what the others do.
"I've always known Oscar's good and he's quick and he's doing the job here [that] I know he can achieve with the car that we've got.
"So yeah, well done to him, but I'm more worried about my own performance than others. So yeah, I don't care about the rest of the minute."
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Join RacingNews365’s Ian Parkes and Nick Golding as they reflect on qualifying at the Bahrain Grand Prix which saw a couple of surprise results!
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