Lando Norris in the Singapore paddock - Photo: Race Pictures

Norris foreshadows Singapore difficulties being 'on the back foot'

12:24, 05 Oct

Updated: 12:41, 05 Oct

0 Comments

byKada Sarkozi

Lando Norris anticipates a difficult Sunday at the Singapore Grand Prix, particularly when it comes to overtaking.

"When you're the leader around here it's quite easy, as I found out last year."

- Lando Norris

After taking pole position the previous season, the McLaren driver only qualified in P5 for this year's Singapore Grand Prix.

Looking ahead, Norris said: "You've got to be like one second a lot quicker to overtake and no one's a second quicker.

"When you're the leader around here it's quite easy, as I found out last year.

"Different story for me tomorrow. I'll try and make up some big places with a car that's not as quick and all these things.

"I've not done any high fuel again this weekend. So, yeah, on the back [foot] a little bit.

"It's a new day, so I'm optimistic we can still try and get a few positions."

Norris in qualifying for the Singapore GP - Photo: Race Pictures

Norris not surprised by Verstappen being up there

With a new front wing on the RB21 as well, Verstappen finished second to only George Russell. Norris himself is not surprised by Red Bull's performance.

He said: "I think they've improved in a lot of places this season. They've improved into Monza with some of those upgrades. They've not been bad this year. They've been very strong most of the year.

"There's been a few tougher races for them, but they're also Red Bull. As soon as they've improved that little area, they're quick.

"So it's not a surprise. It's not a shock to anyone, to us. I expect them to be probably on pole today, honestly, from their pace yesterday.

"But I also expect it from where they were last year. They were fighting for pole, and if it wasn't for me, he would have won the race.

"So you can't say that they were struggling. They were just not quite as quick as us. And now they're quicker," he concluded at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.

The latest episode of GPblog's 'F1 Paddock Update'

Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog's F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog's YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.