Norris reacts to massive gap to Verstappen and Piastri: 'It was flying'
Lando Norris at the FIA Press Conference - Photo: Race Pictures
A filmmaker with a soft spot for Ronnie Peterson, Gilles Villeneuve, Mika Hakkinen and above all, Tazio Nuvolari and Ayrton Senna, is also a diehard Formula One fan since the age of 4 (mid-90's). An avid researcher of the past of Grand Prix Racing since before it was even named F1, and with a thirst for knowledge of the ins and outs of the actuality of the sport, as well as for the technical aspects that define it, is a member of GPblog since 2023, where he has put his love of racing to good use.
Lando Norris delivered a masterclass in confidence and control to claim pole position for the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix, a result that left even him slightly surprised by the margin over his championship rivals.
I think we both complained of that as drivers, but when you just get in that little bit of a rhythm, it's flying, and that’s where I was today- Lando Norris
The McLaren driver produced a flawless display at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, setting the tone from final practice before carrying that momentum into qualifying.
His smooth, composed approach paid off with a lap that secured the top spot ahead of both title contenders, with Max Verstappen only fifth and Oscar Piastri seventh.
Asked whether he was surprised by the gap to his main challengers, Norris admitted that while it wasn’t entirely expected, it was a reflection of a near-perfect day behind the wheel.
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“I mean, maybe. It’s tough because I do feel like I’m doing a very good job,” he said. “I feel like I have been for a good amount of weekends now, especially when I get this feeling that I had today.”
Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL39, Mexican Grand Prix, Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez, Mexico City - Photo: Race Pictures
“Actually, the whole day today. It’s not just my Q3 lap that was good. FP3 was strong already and a good step better than it was yesterday. Q1, Q2, Q3, all of my laps were good. No mistakes. No lock-ups. None of these things. And I could just, in a good way, improve.”
Norris credited both his rhythm and McLaren’s outright pace, though he admitted the MCL39 remains a handful. “The car is incredibly quick, but it's not easy to drive,” he said.
“I think we both complained of that as drivers, but when you just get in that little bit of a rhythm, it's flying, and that’s where I was today,” Norris concluded.
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Photo: Race Pictures
Oscar Piastri qualified seventh in Mexico and will start seventh after Carlos Sainz’s penalty. He questioned why only one McLaren, Norris’s pole-sitting car, is quick, calling his own lack of pace a “mystery.”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, though, dismissed speculation of a technical issue with the Aussie's car after he qualified six-tenths behind teammate and polesitter Lando Norris in Mexico.
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