Lando Norris has delivered a crushing opinion that he believes Max Verstappen would have "lapped" him, had the Dutchman started at the front in the São Paulo Grand Prix.
The British driver started on pole position but finished in sixth, following the costly decision to pit for fresh tyres moments before a red flag in wet conditions at Interlagos.
Verstappen, meanwhile, started in 17th and recovered to end his 10-race winless streak, extending his lead in the F1 drivers' title to 62 points.
Crucially, Verstappen did not pit before the red flag and changed his tyres during the stoppage, having overtaken Norris when the McLaren driver was in the pits.
The race was, ultimately, won by the three-time world champion by 19 seconds ahead of both Alpine drivers, who completed a shock podium.
McLaren struggled for pace in the race despite a new rear wing, resulting in Norris being asked by media including RacingNews365 whether that played a role: "The [rear] wing was helping, we just weren't quick enough.
"Max was easily quicker than us. I think if he started from the front, he probably would've lapped us. The pace was good, I think, similar to George [Russell], but the Red Bull was way faster."
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Norries 'owns up' to mistake
Norris led the race for just a few metres after being overtaken by George Russell at the first corner.
Russell led the race until himself and Norris pitted, with the McLaren driver believing his fellow Briton deserved the victory.
Without the red flag, third was where Norris expected to finish, still behind Verstappen.
What worked against the 24-year-old on top of pitting, was a trip off the circuit at the first corner following a mid-race safety car restart.
"Not a lot more I could've done. I'm sure George probably feels like he won the race today, he deserved it more than anyone else.
"I probably finished third, realistically, so it's tough. Max would have come through anyway and probably beat us.
"Just unlucky for us, nothing more than that. I made a couple of mistakes, which I own up to and cost me a couple of positions in the end."
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