Norris rues lack of Verstappen errors in pole quest

McLaren driver Lando Norris has conceded that Max Verstappen’s consistent run of form has left him “frustrated”.

The Red Bull driver took pole position for Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix by over half a second, with Norris taking his place alongside the Dutchman on the front row.

Norris appeared to be in contention for his first pole since Sochi 2021 following the first runs in Q3 but Verstappen’s final effort was enough to seal his eighth pole of the year.

Assessing his session, Norris said “It was good, I’m happy, still. P2 is still a good result.

“In these kinds of conditions, every now and then you hope Max makes a mistake and he doesn’t. Frustrating in a little way but I’m very happy.

“The team has done a good job. It was a chaotic qualifying but another P2, so [it’s] good.”

Norris upset over poor second half to lap

Norris was faster than Verstappen through the first sector and appeared to be giving the championship leader a real challenge for the top spot.

However, as the Briton explained, his second half of the lap let him down.

“Qualifying is always stressful no matter what the conditions but definitely now, it’s trickier [in wet-to-dry conditions].

“The first half of the lap was mega but the second half of the lap was probably one of the worst second halves I could’ve done.

“It peaked very early on. It’s tough. But I really enjoy these conditions, I’ve always really enjoyed these conditions, it’s when we do well. I’m taking the P2 still.

When asked to explain if it was the driver or the tyres that peaked in the opening stages of the lap, Norris said: “The driver peaked very early, I got a bit of work to do.

“Not the most comfortable [lap] but good enough. I’ll take it.”