Lando Norris qualified eighth for the United States Grand Prix despite believing a front row finish was possible. A track limits penalty at Turn 19 struck off his sixth-place Q3 run, leaving him with only his first-run time. Norris called the result a "very bad job," admitting the McLaren MCL40 is difficult to drive but felt he should have been P2.
The team brought its final upgrade package of the year, featuring revised front suspension and an altered diffuser, but Norris acknowledged the car struggles in sector three. He remains optimistic about the race, noting the car's pace, though he trailed pole-sitter Kimi Antonelli by over a second. Teammate Oscar Piastri also struggled, admitting he was not as competitive as desired.
Despite the disappointment, Norris believes a good points finish is possible in Sunday's race.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing