David Coulthard tells Lando Norris the ‘only way’ he can lose the Austrian Grand Prix after mega pole lap

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McLaren driver Lando Norris produced one of the best qualifying laps of his career at the Austrian Grand Prix.

The Austrian Grand Prix has been a happy hunting ground for Lando Norris during his time in Formula 1.

Norris scored his first F1 podium at the Red Bull Ring in 2020, putting in some incredible final laps to chase down Lewis Hamilton, who had picked up a five-second penalty.

The McLaren driver has started on the front row twice in Austria, but this year’s event will be the first time he starts from pole position.

He secured top spot with the largest winning margin in qualifying this season, although teammate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull star Max Verstappen both had their final laps ruined by Pierre Gasly’s spin.

Damon Hill was amazed by Norris’ pole lap, and it put to bed suggestions that the 25-year-old can’t produce the perfect qualifying lap when required, especially when you remember how he took pole position in Monaco earlier this season.

Norris keeps being asked the same question after qualifying, but it doesn’t seem to impact how he approaches his post-session interviews.

Former McLaren driver David Coulthard is confident in Norris’ abilities to convert pole position into his third victory of the season.

However, he’s warned Norris about the ‘only way’ he could lose Sunday’s race in the Styrian hills.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from parents to celebration

David Coulthard sends Lando Norris an Austrian Grand Prix warning

Coulthard was reflecting on qualifying for Channel 4 and when asked about Norris, he explained: “A brilliant comeback after the disappointment of Montreal.

“He dominated all the sessions, the only way he can lose this is if he fluffs his start, or pits at the wrong time relative to the safety car.

“Both can happen, but let’s hope not.”

Norris will start alongside Charles Leclerc on the front row on Sunday, and the Monegasque driver is notorious for struggling to convert pole positions into race wins.

However, Ferrari have rushed a floor update to Austria, which appears to have helped them take a step forward with Hamilton starting on the second row.

There are plenty of overtaking opportunities in Austria that Norris needs to be careful with.

Piastri will be determined to avoid losing any ground to his teammate, and as Coulthard says, the race start is going to be crucial to the result of the race.

READ MORE: All you need to know about McLaren F1 Team from team principal to engine

F1 fans buoyed by Lando Norris’ comments at the Austrian Grand Prix

Heading into qualifying, fans were delighted with Norris’ comments, with the British driver sounding far more positive than before.

Norris arrived in Austria off the back of his collision with Piastri in Canada, where he immediately took responsibility for his mistake.

Instead of stewing on that error, Norris has dominated the race weekend, even after missing out on FP1 where he handed his car to impressive rookie Alex Dunne.

Speaking after the session, Norris said: “I’m really pleased with that. My first lap in Q3 was good, but I knew there were still a few places where I could find a little bit more, and that’s exactly what I did.

“It’s been a good weekend for me so far. The performance throughout the sessions has been great, and hopefully we can keep it up. It’s a long race tomorrow but I am looking forward to it.”