Lando Norris says he is caught in two minds over whether to be aggressive or cautious at the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after qualifying directly behind the two title contenders. Norris took a surprise third in Saturday's grid-deciding session at Yas Marina Circuit, his impressive Q3 performance putting him ahead of both Ferrari drivers, Red Bull's Sergio Perez and Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas. It means the McLaren man will line up in view of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who will be going head-to-head for the world title in Sunday's race.
Feeling nervous for the race start
Looking towards the 58-lap encounter, Norris said: "I'm a bit nervous. I kind of want to just stay where I am and just watch everything unfold over the first few laps, or even the whole race. "I don't want to really to get involved too much, because it can cause a lot of controversy. "I don't know whether to go for the move or not go for the move, but I'll do my best, and if I have a chance I'll go for it!"
P3 was a "nice surprise"
As for where his pace came from in qualifying, Norris said: "I dunno, really! It came already in Q3, run one. I made some improvements, but also a few mistakes, and then I just did clean up in the end. "I went for pole, it didn't quite work out - I was still a little bit off! No, it was a nice lap. To be in P3 was a bit of a surprise." Daniel Ricciardo also made it through to Q3 but was the slowest of the runners in 10th, almost half a second adrift of Norris.
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