Lando Norris qualified in second place at the 2025 F1 Dutch GP. He was just 0.012 seconds behind his teammate Oscar Piastri in pole position.
A close battle
Throughout the weekend, Norris had topped the time sheets over all three practice sessions. Piastri had remained close behind.
Qualifying remained more of the same. As the two McLaren drivers battled it out, it was clear that one of them would finish on pole.
Piastri topped the times during Q1, but Norris quickly responded in Q2 by setting a new lap record of 1.08.874.
As Q3 began, all eyes were on the Papaya drivers first laps. Piastri ultimately beat Norris, which gave him provisional pole, and took away the lap record his teammate had previously set. The Brit had a second go at taking the top spot, but couldn’t improve on his earlier time.
Speaking post-qualifying, Norris spoke of his disappointment; however acknowledged just how close it is between the two cars.
“It’s been close the whole weekend. So, it easily could go one way or the other.
“I guess a little bit disappointed I’m not on pole, but it’s close. Still some decent laps, so not the end of the world either.
“I’m in a good position. We’re in a good fight, Oscar’s been driving well, we’ve been driving well all season, so we’ll have some fun tomorrow.”
Looking to the race
Whilst he may be disappointed that he is not starting on pole, the big points are scored on a Sunday in Formula 1.
Lando Norris’s recent race form has been excellent, winning the last three out of four Grands Prix. Going into the race tomorrow, he feels confident that he has the pace.
However, he also needs to be able to overtake Piastri if he wants to bring home the victory. With only 9 points separating them in their title battle, every point is valuable at this point in the season.
Overtaking is always difficult, but it is made even harder when the person in front is your teammate.
“I am still confident for the race pace. We know that’s one of our strengths as a team. But I also know my main competitor is the guy ahead of me.
“The hardest guy to normally overtake is your team-mate, especially when in a quali like today where we are split by one hundredth.
“It’s going to take some magic, some good strategy or some incredible tyre saving or something.
“But it’s normally pretty difficult to overtake in the first place. It’s even harder to do that behind your teammate. So, I’ll see what I can dream of tonight.”
