Lando Norris Reflects on Intense US GP Duel with Charles Leclerc
Lando Norris expressed satisfaction with his second-place finish at the United States Grand Prix. The McLaren driver acknowledged the challenges he faced, particularly in his intense battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. He remarked that there was “not a lot more we could have done” on a day filled with competitive racing.
Lando Norris and the US GP Duel with Charles Leclerc
Norris lined up beside pole-sitter Max Verstappen at the start. However, he lost positions to Leclerc right away. This setback made it crucial for Norris to chase down the Monegasque driver during the initial laps.
Intense Battle on Track
The race unfolded into a fierce competition between Norris and Leclerc. On Lap 21, Norris successfully executed an overtake into Turn 12. Nevertheless, their battle continued as Leclerc regained the lead after the pit stop phase.
- Lap 21: Norris overtakes Leclerc.
- Final laps: Leclerc passes Norris again post-pit stop.
Both drivers faced difficulties with their tires as the race progressed. Norris managed to overtake Leclerc once more just a few laps before the finish line, securing a hard-earned second place.
Norris Reflects on the Race
After the race, Norris shared his thoughts on the duel with Leclerc. He humorously noted that it took him a long time to finally overtake his rival. He appreciated the competitive spirit of the battle, stating, “Charles drove a very good race; it was fun and good battles.”
Race Strategy Insights
Norris revealed that his race engineer, Will Joseph, advised him to cool his tires before making another overtaking attempt. Norris explained, “Out of the box when the tires are freshest, you want to push,” but acknowledged that it also made the tires hotter.
- Fresh tires provide the best chance to push.
- Temperature management is crucial in overtakes.
This strategic decision ultimately paid off for Norris, who credited a mix of good strategy and strong driving with his performance. His finish narrows the World Championship gap to just 14 points behind teammate Oscar Piastri, who ended the race in fifth place. Meanwhile, Verstappen’s victory now places him 40 points behind Piastri.
