Norris 'f***ed' Verstappen fight as McLaren miss big chance – International media reacts

Max Verstappen used all his skill to secure victory in the 2024 F1 Spanish Grand Prix, denying Lando Norris a second career victory. 

Starting on pole, Norris was the favourite for the win but immediately lost the lead following a poor start. His pace was exceptional, although Verstappen managed the gap to perfection. 

Lewis Hamilton completed the podium, marking his 198th career rostrum in F1.

However, what did the rest of the world make of the race? Find out as RacingNews365 takes you through the headlines of some of the biggest global publications.

🇬🇧 The Times - '"I f***ed up the start" – Verstappen seizes on Norris error as Hamilton takes third'

In the United Kingdom, The Times has focused on Norris' disappointment in missing out on victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, where he insists he "f***ed up".

The Briton was very downbeat after the race and outlined his bad start as what cost him a famous win.

Norris' race pace was the best, but the gap between himself and Verstappen simply grew too large in the opening stages of the race. An extended first stint also hurt the McLaren driver, as he was left with a significant amount of ground to make up.

🇮🇹 La Gazzetta dello Sport - 'Leclerc-Sainz, sparks! Charles: "Useless and unfair fight." Carlos: "I can't keep up my whole life"'

Over in Italy, La Gazzetta dello Sport discussed Ferrari's underwhelming performance and, crucially, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc's heated words towards one another.

Leclerc finished fifth with Sainz directly behind in sixth, however, it had been the other way around in opening phase of the Grand Prix.

The duo actually made contact on the fifth lap, much to Leclerc's frustration who stressed afterwards that it was out of line from Sainz. Leclerc and Sainz fighting cost bosth significant time.

🇫🇷 L'Equipe - 'Gasly and Ocon in the points, no controversy: an almost perfect weekend for Alpine in Spain'

In France, L'Equipe celebrated Alpine's stunning Spanish GP, which saw Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon finish ninth and P10. 

The French duo did not expect to be so quick in Barcelona, let alone feature in the top 10 in effectively every session. 

After a woeful start to 2024, things are clearly starting to turnaround at the Enstone-based outfit. However, controversy still surrounded the team somewhat, as it was confirmed they had signed ex-team boss Flavio Briatore as a new advisor. 

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf - 'Lando Norris is disappointed with Max Verstappen's delay, McLaren team boss defends strategy'

De Telegraaf, in the Netherlands, has looked at quotes from Norris as well after the race but also words from McLaren boss Andrea Stella. 

Norris' strategy was very different to Verstappen's, with the British driver's opening stint having lasted six laps longer. His second pit-stop came three laps after Verstappen's. 

Whilst this meant Norris had fresher tyres, there were not enough laps in the race for the McLaren driver to catch Verstappen. Stella has defended McLaren's strategy.

🇩🇪 BILD - 'Lewis Hamilton sleeps at press conference'

In Germany, BILD joked about Lewis Hamilton pretending to sleep in the post-race press conference after finishing third. 

Hamilton was the first of the top three to make his way to the press conference, where he laid down on the sofa and rested. 

When Verstappen arrived, he was quick to joke that the seven-time world champion is getting too old and whether he wanted a massage!

🇦🇺 Herald Sun - 'Piastri endures one of his toughest weekends'

And finally, in Australia, Herald Sun has discussed Oscar Piastri's difficult Grand Prix, where the McLaren driver had to settle for seventh. 

Piastri was disappointed after the race and conceded it was the first time he had struggled to perform over both one lap and in race pace.

With Norris battling with Verstappen in most races, pressure is being applied onto Piastri from the media to perform at a similar level.