Norris reveals in-car prayer during Verstappen hunt

Lando Norris has revealed that he was “praying” for one more lap during his pursuit of Max Verstappen at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Norris entered the weekend having won his maiden grand prix in Miami two weeks prior.

His bid for back-to-back success began with a front-row starting position - however throughout the race, he looked unable to challenge Verstappen for the lead.

After fending off an attack from Charles Leclerc, Norris upped his pace in the latter stages of the race to close in on Verstappen.

The Briton came within seven-tenths of a second to the three-time world champion - leaving him to rue not having extra laps to attack.

“I was just praying for one more lap,” Norris told media including RacingNews365.

“I was just praying for someone to say one more lap. I don't know why.

“I mean, I just did everything I could. I was pushing like hell to get there and catch up and have a chance.”

Dirty air

Norris’ advances were dented as he closed up behind Verstappen and into the Red Bull’s dirty air in the final laps.

However, the Briton also acknowledged that his performance in the opening segment of the race also hampered his chances.

“As soon as you get within two seconds, you start to lose downforce and grip,” Norris said.

“The tyres start to overheat again. I kind of struggled for a couple laps, but once I understood how I had to drive again, like the last lap I managed to get there, and seven tenths, like one more lap, at least he would have had to defend into Turn 1.

“Maybe something could have come from that, but one lap too late.

“It’s a shame, but it is what it is, and we just struggled too much in the beginning of the race.”