Norris wary of former team-mate with 'nothing to lose'

Lando Norris has revealed that he is wary of former team-mate Carlos Sainz having "nothing to lose" in the Mexico City Grand Prix. 

Sainz secured a stunning pole position at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, whilst Norris could only secure third on the grid. 

The Briton also finds himself starting behind Max Verstappen, although its Ferrari who he is watching closely.

Ferrari's pace has been impressive throughout the weekend in Mexico City, continuing its fine form from the recent race in Austin, Texas. 

Sainz in particular is desperate to claim one final victory for the Maranello-based outfit, with Norris being unsure if McLaren has the raw pace to beat Ferrari in the race.

"The race pace is always a tough one to know," said Norris. "The last few weekends, they've [Ferrari] been extremely quick and quicker than us. 

"I don't have the confidence to say, yes, we can just beat them on pace. Like in qualifying, [we were] not on their level. But the race is another day. 

"If we can have a good start, hopefully it's exciting down to turn one. Carlos is going to be fast. Like he said, he's got nothing to lose. 

"And they've been fastest for the last few weekends. So we'll try our best, but I don't think we have the pace comparing to them at the minute."

Norris reveals qualifying setback

In qualifying, Norris had set the pace in Q1 and Q2, making him the favourite for pole going into Q3. 

Unfortunately, the 24-year-old was already at the MCL38's "limit", with Sainz's pole position time having simply been out of reach. 

Had Norris pushed any harder, then the McLaren driver is insistent he would have made a mistake.

"I was at the limit," revealed Norris. "I couldn't go any quicker. It's more I think the others just didn't get the most out of it. Yeah, pretty much every corner I was close to locking up and making mistakes. 

"And I did that in my Q3, run 1 lap. But I had definitely nowhere near close to three tenths left in the car. So it was more that they just went quicker. 

"I was at the limit. I got everything out of the car already in Q1 and Q2. Made us look like the ones to beat. 

"But honestly, since FP1, Ferrari have been the guys to beat. And Carlos is on top. So challenging to beat them in the race."