Lando Norris makes ‘pretty disappointing’ claim after Max Verstappen’s incredible Brazilian GP display

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McLaren driver Lando Norris won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, but the star of the show at Interlagos was Max Verstappen.

Red Bull decided to start Max Verstappen from the pit lane after his first Q1 exit since 2021.

It meant they could install a new power unit, but that still meant he had a monumental task on his hands to keep himself in contention for the drivers’ championship.

Lando Norris started on pole position and ended up having a perfect weekend, taking maximum points from both races.

McLaren would have briefly thought they were on for a one-two when Oscar Piastri came out ahead following a daring move after a safety car, but he was given a 10-second penalty and could only finish fifth.

It was one of several events, including Lewis Hamilton retiring from the race and Gabriel Bortoleto crashing out on the opening lap, that contributed to Verstappen’s unbelievable comeback.

Lando Norris couldn’t help but comment on his championship rival’s performance, and shared why it left him ‘pretty disappointed’ after taking the chequered flag.

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

Lando Norris ‘pretty disappointed’ that Max Verstappen was faster than him at the Brazilian Grand Prix

Norris was asked by Jolyon Palmer during his official post-race press conference about the drivers’ championship situation and whether he’s starting to think about winning the title, and he said: “No, not at all!

“I mean, it was a great win, but seeing how fast Max was today, it’s pretty disappointing that we weren’t quicker!

“That’s where my mind’s at, at the minute, going to see the team, congratulate them and see where we weren’t quick enough.

“But that’s me, and we’ll see what we can do. Not a long way to go, but it can change so quickly, like we’ve seen today, so I’ve just got to focus on myself.

“Keep my head down, ignore everyone and keep pushing!”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Lando Norris dedicates Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory to Gil de Ferran

When Norris was asked how he felt at the end of the race after building up a comfortable cushion over second place Andrea Kimi Antonelli, he said: “I was pushing! An amazing race, nice to win here in Brazil. It’s an amazing track, amazing fans, and this one was for Gil [de Ferran].

“One of my mentors growing up, a couple of years ago, so this one was for him. I’m sure he’d be very proud of this one, looking on, so I was thinking of that while driving.

“A perfect weekend.”

Norris was asked how he has found more rhythm at this stage of the season and said: “Just ignoring everyone who talks c— about you!

“Just focus on yourself. The team, McLaren, are doing an amazing job, giving me a great car.

“We’re pushing hard every single weekend, and I’m pushing hard away from the track, so, rewarding. It doesn’t come easy, that’s for sure.

“And to be honest, I don’t think we were the quickest out there, but I’m glad to take home the win.”

Gil de Ferran was previously sporting director at McLaren before he sadly passed away in 2023, but he played a crucial role in Norris’ development as a young driver.

His protege now has a 24-point advantage over Piastri with three race weekends to go, with Verstappen a further 25 points back, leaving him almost certainly out of contention to win a fifth consecutive championship.