Lando Norris Reflects on Qualifying Struggles at Imola: “Just Not Good Enough”
Lando Norris candidly acknowledged his underwhelming performance during the qualifying session for the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola. Despite a promising start in earlier practice sessions, Norris secured only the fourth position on the grid, trailing his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who clinched pole position, as well as Max Verstappen and George Russell. Expressing his frustration, Norris stated, “I made a lot of mistakes. Never good enough in my final lap in quali. Everyone goes quicker and I always go slower. Just not good enough” .
The qualifying session was marked by several incidents, including crashes that led to red flags, disrupting the rhythm for many drivers. Despite these challenges, Norris managed to advance through Q1 and Q2 but faltered in Q3, where he lost approximately three-tenths of a second in the final sectors, failing to improve his lap time. This performance was particularly disappointing given that Norris had topped the timesheets in the final practice session earlier that day, showcasing the potential of the McLaren MCL39 .
Norris took full responsibility for his performance, emphasizing that the shortcomings were not due to the car but rather his execution. “No, the car is mega. It’s on pole and it’s the best car on track. I wasn’t,” he remarked, highlighting his own errors during the crucial moments of qualifying . This self-assessment underscores the high standards Norris sets for himself and his commitment to maximizing the car’s potential.
The British driver also reflected on a pattern of struggles during the final qualifying sessions throughout the season. He noted that while he feels confident during the initial phases, the performance tends to dip in Q3. “Same answer as every weekend, I think it’s a regular thing. I feel better until I get to it [Q3], I obviously just need to work on it a lot, it’s just not good enough,” Norris admitted . This recurring issue has been a point of concern as he aims to consistently compete at the front.
The pressure is further amplified by the impressive performances of his teammate, Oscar Piastri, who secured his third pole position of the season at Imola. Piastri’s consistent qualifying success has positioned him as a formidable contender, intensifying the internal competition within McLaren. Norris’s acknowledgment of his own shortcomings reflects the competitive environment and the drive to match or surpass his teammate’s achievements .
Looking ahead, Norris remains focused on translating his practice pace into qualifying success. He emphasized the importance of refining his approach to the final qualifying sessions to capitalize on the car’s capabilities. “I’m working hard, the team are working hard, and it is difficult moments, but it is the way it is at the moment,” he stated, expressing determination to overcome these challenges and deliver stronger performances in future races .