Norris wary of Verstappen threat despite Dutch GP pole

Lando Norris is expecting the Dutch Grand Prix to be "tough" after pipping Max Verstappen to pole position at the Red Bull driver's home race.

The McLaren driver ended the Dutchman's unblemished qualifying record at Zandvoort - and will look to do the same to his unbeaten streak race streak tomorrow.

In the final moments of qualifying, Verstappen managed to get provisional pole, but Norris came through after the Red Bull to claim the fastest time by over three-tenths of a second.

"An amazing day, nice to be back and start with a pole. It was a nice lap, honestly," Norris said afterward.

"The qualifying was always pretty smooth - put in some good laps, especially the one at the end, which is always the most important. So, great job by the team and happy with today."

The weather has been a significant factor at Zandvoort, with high winds unsettling the cars and leading to a number of difficult moments for the drivers.

McLaren has introduced a suite of updates in The Netherlands, and it looks to have taken the team slightly clear of the chasing pack on one-lap pace.

"It's harder than it looks, I think," The 24-year-old contended about the wind after taking pole. 

"Everyone's complaining, because it's tricky, it's not easy out there and every lap to know what to expect, know how much more you can push, where the limits are.

"But that's our job, at the end of the day. It's not easy, but I felt comfortable out there. The car was feeling amazing.

"We've got some upgrades on the car for the first time in a while and everything's working very well, so a big thanks to the team, too."

Norris has struggled off the line of late, and in the previous five times he has started first, he has never managed to keep the lead by the end of lap one.

However, the shorter run down to Turn 1 at Zandvoort provides him an opportunity to end that streak.

"I'm excited for tomorrow," he added. "I'm sure it's gonna be tough. Max [Verstappen] has been quick all weekend.

"I know we got him today, but he's still second and he's been putting up a good fight, especially at his home race, so looking forward to it."