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Martin Brundle has shared his surprise at McLaren’s struggles in qualifying for the Miami Grand Prix following Lando Norris’ victory in the Sprint race earlier today.
Despite securing a convincing one-two in the Miami GP Sprint this afternoon, McLaren looked to have taken a step backwards during qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix as both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled for pace.
Both drivers will start from P4 and P7, respectively, in tomorrow’s Grand Prix, with Kimi Antonelli taking his third consecutive pole position in the longer format.
Four different teams in the top spots in qualifying for the Miami GP… But who’s taking the win? 🏆
Let us know in the comments below!
Norris’ benchmark in Sprint qualifying, a 1:27.869, would have been good enough for the front row for Sunday. However, the Briton was unable to build on his pace from Friday afternoon, setting a time over three-tenths slower in Q3.
Martin Brundle labels McLaren’s turnaround in form during qualifying ‘bizarre’
During Sky Sports F1’s live coverage of qualifying at Miami, pundit Martin Brundle outlined his surprise at McLaren’s regression in pace from the Sprint race to the final session of the day.
After Norris reported a boost issue with his Mercedes power unit over the team radio, Brundle told co-commentator David Croft, “That’s worrying though, isn’t it? Lando thinks he’s got an issue that might be compromising his lap times, but it sounds like he hasn’t.
“This is something bizarre because we watched McLaren dominate the sprint race this morning from first and third on the grid. And suddenly, they’re kind of struggling, really struggling for pace.”
A few minutes later, Brundle theorised on whether the windy conditions at the Miami International Autodrome were the reason for McLaren’s clear step backwards.
Kimi Antonelli delivers when it counts 👏 But Verstappen right behind him? This isn’t over yet 👀
Read the full report from Miami Qualifying below 👇
“If anything, it’s the wind direction that’s changed this form book around, because it’s very similar track temperatures, but it’s like a complete swap around, isn’t it?” Brundle wondered.
“McLaren are struggling for raw pace. Verstappen’s the target, the main man again. It’s absolutely extraordinary, just because of the wind speed picking up and changing direction.
“Of course, when you’re pushing a car through the air, and leaning on the air to pin it to the ground, it is quite an important aspect, but my goodness me, what a turnaround with the form book we’ve seen through today.”
- READ MORE: Damon Hill warns McLaren ‘be careful’ despite Lando Norris winning Miami Sprint from Oscar Piastri
‘This is where we deserve to be’ – Lando Norris after securing P4 in Miami GP qualifying
Following the chequered flag, Norris was asked by Canal+ whether McLaren had made a step backwards between the Sprint and qualifying for the Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion replied, “No, it’s still a step forward. I think everyone just did a really bad job yesterday, and we just did a good job.
“Today, everyone did a good job, and we also did a good job but we just weren’t quick enough. I think this is where we deserve to be.”
Norris was then asked for his thoughts on what is possible during the Grand Prix. “We’ll see,” he answered.
“Obviously, I could control the race quite easily because I was at the front, but tomorrow I won’t be. But it’s going to be a wet race, so we’ll have to see.”
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