Lando Norris has expressed his excitement for the upcoming battle with Max Verstappen at the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The two title rivals will start side by side from the front row in the American city, promising a thrilling contest, particularly into the first corner. Norris has already hinted that he won’t let the Dutchman pass him easily: ‘I’m here to win.’
For a brief moment on Friday evening at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, Max Verstappen enjoyed the pole position, until Lando Norris undercut the Dutchman’s time by a substantial three-tenths of a second. The Brit will start from the most coveted position in the race a day later, but he doesn’t expect to easily convert his starting position into a victory.
In the press conference following the qualification, Norris was immediately asked about a potential fight into the first corner. “I’m looking forward to it, and I’m excited,” responds the British pole-sitter. “He (Verstappen) is always fast, and if you expect less, you don’t know what he’s capable of.” The McLaren driver, therefore, does not underestimate his title rival. “I expect a battle. I expect a battle throughout the race. But at the same time, I’m here to win. I’m not here to avoid taking risks. I still want to win tomorrow.”
Many Questions Remain
Whether the championship leader will indeed succeed, he doesn’t know yet. After the second free practice on Thursday was disrupted by a loose manhole cover, and the sessions on Friday evening in Vegas were driven under wet conditions, Norris still has many questions about the race. “I don’t think I’ve driven more than four laps in a row. So I have no idea about stints and such,” says the driver. “There are still many questions, probably for everyone. I’m sure not many people have driven on the hard tires either. So yes, it’s going to be a long race. Anything can happen. If it’s dry, it will naturally be a bit easier for everyone, I think. But I’m in the best possible position, so I’m satisfied for now.”
