Norris: McLaren 'came alive' for blistering lap in Spanish GP Qualifying

Lando Norris revealed how his McLaren Formula 1 car "came alive" during Qualifying for the Spanish Grand Prix.

The British driver put a difficult start to the season behind him to deliver a stunning lap in Q3 and quality third at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, behind only Max Verstappen's dominant Red Bull and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz.

Norris had suggested five-or-six teams were faster than McLaren after securing points in Monaco last weekend but with teammate Oscar Piastri only held back by a small error in the final sector on the way to finishing 10th fastest, the Woking-based outfit returned to form.

"Everyone keeps saying 'the car is improving' but really it has not changed much at all," Norris told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"It just suited the conditions, I think we both felt very comfortable - I think Oscar would have been up there too.

"I don't know why, just into qualifying things started to come alive a bit more, low fuel, a bit more confidence on the rears and to lean on the car.

"Where we are going to be is a tough one, on average we have been fifth or sixth best team, so I am not expecting a huge amount better.

"But I still think we have a chance of racing the Alpines and maybe some of the others, I don't think we are racing the Astons, the Ferraris will be tough I think.

"We weren't expecting to be P3 but we are, at the same time, if I make a one-tenth mistake and I would be five places further back. We just put everything together and did a good job."

Surges

Norris complained about 'surges' during the early stages of the session though the issue didn't seem to hold him back.

"In Q1 I had it and cost me maybe half-a-tenth, a tenth," he explained.

"But it is something you can tweak out."