Norris makes Hungarian wish but fearing the worst

Lando Norris has asserted he is expecting a “difficult” Hungarian Grand Prix as he aims for his second career victory.

Norris will start the race from pole position, leading McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri off the line.

Max Verstappen, who was left unhappy with the performance of his car during qualifying, will start from third on the grid while team-mate Sergio Perez will line up at the back of the field.

Norris has come close to winning on several occasions this year outside of his Miami victory, but denied the Hungary race presents an opportunity to prove a point.

“I mean, I don't think it's important [to convert pole to victory],” Norris told media including RacingNews365. “Every single qualifying is important. Every race is important. 

“So it's not all of a sudden I need to do it and I need to prove my point. I don't. We've done the best we could in every race. 

“I think we've shown great pace and great opportunities and I know we've missed out on some. 

“I would love to have a clean, strong weekend. From yesterday already, we were very strong in the beginning in FP2, FP3 quali now.”

Norris expecting challenging race

Despite being in the best starting position, Norris is expecting to be placed under intense pressure from behind en route to the chequered flag.

“It would be nice just to have a nice Turn 1 and see what happens from there, but I'm not expecting it,” Norris said.

“I'm expecting still a difficult race with Oscar and Max behind. But every one is important.

“Every time we're trying to maximise every place, every point. The more we can try to get back on Max, the more we as a team can get on Red Bull and other constructors, the better. 

“So no point or emphasis on trying to beat a particular someone or something. It's just go out and do what we do because we're doing a good job.”