F1 News

Norris stunned after Chinese GP: I was very wrong with that

Norris stunned after Chinese GP: "I was very wrong with that"

21 April - 09:55
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 Lando Norris has had a superb race weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix. After taking pole in the Sprint qualifying session, he was able to take that pace and make the most of it during Sunday's race, taking a fantastic P2 for the 15th podium of his career.

The British driver overtook the Red Bull of Sergio Perez at the start of the race after a fine start, and he drove with fantastic consistency and pace to keep the RB20 of Perez behind him, which also meant he took home driver of the day.

Norris 'surprised' that he finished ahead of the Ferrari's at Shanghai

"I'm very happy. "I don't know why, it was not the race I was expecting to have today, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday. 

"I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. So very happy."

Norris was also helped by the lack of race pace shown by the Ferraris today, who could only manage P4 and P5, respectively, while his McLaren thrived around the Shanghai International Circuit. The Brit said he was "surprised by many things," which led to his P2.

"I was surprised by many things: the lack of pace from Ferrari, our good pace, and I guess us compared to the Red Bull which was so surprising. I just wasn't expecting today. I got everything ready to go home early and not be on the podium, so it was a pleasant surprise. But it shows the team have done a good job, have worked hard and it's paying off.

"I made a bet how far behind the Ferrari we would finish today. I thought 35s - and I was very wrong by that. So happy to be wrong with myself, and my own bets, but a good day for everyone."