Lando Norris beat Max Verstappen and qualified on pole for the Brazilian GP sprint race. After a disappointing qualifying for the main race, the sprint shootout pace gave hope to the Papaya Army. However, it seems it wasn’t meant to be as Max Verstappen got a better second phase off the launch and overtook Lando Norris going into turn 1. Despite failing to turn the pole into a win, Lando Norris made a shocking statement toward Verstappen.

Norris was caught napping by George Russell and dropped to P3 on lap 1. However, after overtaking the fellow Briton, Norris started to catch Verstappen. But it was only a short-lived joy as the Dutchman’s radio message revealed that he wasn’t pushing. As soon as Max started pushing, the McLaren man was left in the dust. 

Yet during the post-race interviews, when Norris was asked about Verstappen having more power, he replied while dissing the Dutchman, “He [Max Verstappen] doesn’t have more power. I have more power.” The Briton further explained his misery off the start as he added, “I think the second phase of the launch, I might have been conservative. I was caught sleeping by George, I just didn’t have enough to go after Max”

Read More: Max Verstappen Hands Out Karmic Justice While FIA Goes Easy on Lando Norris’ Crimes in Brazil

Nonetheless, not all hope is gone for Lando Norris for the main race. He does start from a position that isn’t representative of the pace of the MCL60 but is pumped up after the performance that he showcased in the Brazilian GP Sprint.

Lando Norris’ Sprint Race Pace encouraging for the Main Race

Lando Norris will start the race on Sunday from P6 after the apocalyptic weather cut short the Q3 on Friday evening. While the McLaren of Norris isn’t where the Brit would’ve expected, it’s not all lost for the papaya driver. The McLaren was quick in the shootout and the sprint and arguably Norris was the only driver who could keep up with Verstappen (to some extent.) 

Seeing the pace, Norris looks more than up for a podium finish. When asked about his pace concerns for the main race, Lando Norris shrugged the speculation and said, “I am not concerned, if anything encouraged with how good our pace has been today”

WATCH THIS STORY | Is McLaren Looking To Go With Red Bull on its Engine Round About?

Norris and Co. would look to take another podium at Interlagos on Sunday after a promising sprint day. However, they still have to contest with the Mercedes and the Aston Martins who start further up the grid that could pose some good overtaking challenges for the Woking team.