Norris claims Azerbaijan GP two-lap dash was like a "race in qualifying"

Norris, Azerbaijan, McLaren — Photo: © LAT Images

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Norris claims Azerbaijan GP two-lap dash was like a "race in qualifying"

Norris recovered from a poor start to finish fifth in Baku

Ewan Gale

Sunday 6 June 2021 18:38

Lando Norris likened the two-lap dash at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix to a "race in qualifying".

The McLaren driver extended his fine form to ensure he remained ahead of Valtteri Bottas in the F1 drivers' standings after taking advantage of a late red-flag period caused by a tyre failure for then-race leader Max Verstappen.

The stoppage meant the field lined up on the grid for a standing restart on lap 50 of 51, creating a mini sprint race to the flag.

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"It was pretty intense," Norris told Sky Sports F1. "I think one of the nice things is you just have so much grip. Low fuel, new rubber, it was just like a race in qualifying really so it is cool, it went our way.

"I gained two positions which is why I am happy. It was just another opportunity for us to gain some more positions, which we did, thankful for that."

Norris recovers from lacklustre start in Baku

Despite being all smiles at the end of the race, Norris endured a rocky start to his day.

After being demoted three places to ninth on the grid for a red flag protocol infringement in qualifying, the British driver fell further down the order to 13th after a slow first lap before fighting back to fifth.

"The actual launch was okay but sometimes it is difficult, once you put yourself and commit to a position in turn one, it can go right and it can go wrong," he explained.

"It can back up all of a sudden and people lock up and things happen. There was a gap and I went for it but it backed up a lot more in the middle and the guys on the inside and outside could get past.

"I have had good starts and good first laps all season and I am not disappointed it hasn't gone my way today because hopefully we can bounce back and get a better one next time.

"After the penalty yesterday and after a pretty bad first lap, to ended up P5 is still good for us."