Fired-Up Lando Norris Eyes First-Lap Shot at Max…

Lando Norris is aiming to make a move on Max Verstappen at the start of Formula 1's Miami Grand Prix, but doesn't anticipate a repeat of April's Suzuka race if he can't pass at Turn 1.

The Briton was put in the shade by Verstappen in qualifying, as a botched entry to Turn 17 derailed his progress to overturn the Red Bull driver's advantage, which was largely carved out in the opening sector.

Norris stated after qualifying that he was "ready to see what he could do into Turn 1"; although he starts from second, this potentially grants him the inside line for the opening corner.

He added that the three DRS zones and greater concentration of hard braking zones should ensure that overtaking opportunities are more prevalent, comparing it to his struggles to pass Verstappen at Suzuka in a race characterised by low degradation and few passing manoeuvres.

"The DRS helps a lot around here with the overtaking. It's what you need. You also have some much bigger braking zones than you have in Suzuka, so I hope so anyway," Norris, who finished second to Verstappen in Japan, explained.

"I hope that's the case and we can have a good race tomorrow. But I don't just expect competition from Max. Kimi [Antonelli]'s been quick all weekend and Oscar [Piastri] has been as well. So yeah, I just expect a tough race from all accounts."

Lando Norris, McLaren (Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Motorsport Images)

A more positive outlook from Norris over the Miami weekend, following a difficult pair of races in Bahrain and Jeddah, ensured that he was buoyed by qualifying despite losing pole to Verstappen.

Norris spent time in the McLaren simulator ahead of the weekend, and felt that he was happy with the progress he had been making to feel more comfortable with the MCL39 - which he has stated numerous times sits largely at odds with his preferred driving style.

"I'm very happy with the end result, he added. "It's just a shame when you miss out on pole, so that's the only frustrating bit.

"But I think I've been trying different things, I've been doing different things with the team to try and work a bit more in this area and things have been taking a step forward.

"So I'm happy. Maybe not quite there yet, but happy with the progress."

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