Lando Norris says that he would rather crash in practice than does not push the limit of his car after a suffering session-ending suspension damage during FP2 in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Norris, 31 points of the lead of the championship, stood on a push round on soft tires when he underlined in turn 4. His steering wheel was locked on the right, his car suddenly grabbed up and hit the external barrier with his tailgate wheel. The damage was immediately and the British crawled back to Pit Lane to withdraw the car from the session.
But despite the fact that they have only completed seven laps for the session – following A heavily disturbed first practice time – Norris said that the proximity of the competition this season offered the incentive to look for the limit.
“I felt good until then,” he said. “I’d rather have this and push and don’t think the limits then don’t push at all.
“I have to push. It’s difficult. I am against some good guys. I have to push and find the limit.”
Not only did the Norris incident leave without a representative time, it also cost him the chance to complete a long-term simulation on Pirelli’s softest C6 tire compound, which is new in this circuit this season and only used on three other tracks this year.
“A precious one, especially here,” he said. “I would like to have had some high-fuel rounds, especially on this tire-the softer connection compared to last year.
“The track is very different from last year. It is quite faster, and it is a softer connection, which we don’t use that often. But it is what it is. I will make up for it.”
Norris noticed that he was not alone who struggled for a clean round in Baku, where teammate Oscar Piastri also lost his shots with a representative fast time for a tap on the barriers on bend 15 and then a lock at turn 2.
“Certainly I am now behind the lessons, but it is a filthy session from both my side and Oscar’s side,” said Norris. “He also seemed to struggle a bit by car, so we’ll see what we can make up for tomorrow.”
The title leader said he also found it difficult to get the most out of his car, despite the feeling that it had the performance to lead the field.
“I think the pace is there, it’s just not the easiest to get the most out of it at the moment,” said Piastri. “That is probably the most important thing. We have tried a few things in FP2; I am sure we will look back and see what we can change tomorrow.”
Despite the optimism from both sides of the garage that McLaren will be able to turn things around on Saturday, Norris said he expected the battle for Pool and the victory would be tight.
“Certainly [Ferrari seem to be in it]”He said.” They were easily the fastest here last year, although Oscar won. I think Ferrari will be quick.
“Red Bull is going to be fast – they are never good on Friday, but then they go to sleep and they wake up and they are just fast again. I expect a challenge of at least three cars tomorrow.”
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