Norris: Q1 exit a 'reality check' for McLaren

Lando Norris felt that his early exit during qualifying for the Las Vegas Grand Prix was a "reality check" for McLaren.

Although he was comfortably running in the top ten for most of Q1, he elected to pit in the closing stages as the track evolution took over.

His lap was subsequently beat by those improving including Daniel Ricciardo and Lance Stroll.

As a result Norris will start the race from 16th on the grid, with his sights set on making a comeback through the field.

Norris: We've been a long way off the pace

Norris felt the lap was representative of where McLaren has been this weekend, despite teammate Oscar Piastri going second quickest in third practice session.

"Not great, because I got knocked out. The pace of the car was where we are, to be honest - it's where we've been all weekend," Norris told F1 TV.

"We've been a long way off the pace, but I think we expected it to be honest. So it's been a tough weekend, the car has not been performing.

"I guess it's disappointing, but at the same time, since our first few laps we already knew we were not really very quick.

"In a way, I would say it's a good thing that it's kept us in a bit of a reality check."