Lando Norris wanted to race Daniel Ricciardo but aware of Lewis Hamilton-Max Verstappen repeat

Norris, McLaren, ItalianGP — Photo: © LAT Images

Italian Grand Prix

Norris wanted to race Ricciardo but aware of Hamilton-Verstappen repeat

Norris pointed to Hamilton and Verstappen's crash as a reason to be happy with the final result

Ewan Gale

Sunday 12 September 2021 17:05

Lando Norris conceded he had been hoping McLaren would allow him to race team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in the latter stages of the Italian Grand Prix after completing a team one-two at Monza.

Ricciardo made his way past Max Verstappen at the first corner of the race and controlled the 53-lap event thereafter as McLaren executed a perfect strategy with the Australian.

Norris initially fell behind Lewis Hamilton but made the most of the Mercedes running wide at the second chicane to retake third.

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The Briton then jumped the Red Bull as Verstappen had an 11-second pit stop but then lost out to Charles Leclerc as the Ferrari took advantage of the safety car deployed for Verstappen and Hamilton's incident to take second.

Norris retook second in breathtaking fashion with two wheels on the grass at the Curva Grande to ensure the first one-two since Canada 2010 for McLaren.

"First of all a big thanks to everyone, all the fans and all the team," said Norris.

"We have had a pretty awesome weekend. I don't know. Four years ago I joined the team, we have been working towards this and we got a one-two finally so a good step for us.

"I am happy for, of course, Daniel for the win and me for P2. Just happy for the team."

Norris called on team radio for Ricciardo to speed up midway through the final stint before being told that staying where he was would benefit the team more, having to settle for second.

The British driver pointed to the Verstappen-Hamilton clash as a reason to obey orders and be happy with the final result.

Asked if he hoped to be allowed to race, he replied: "Of course, you want to go for it but I am also here for the long term and I am here for the team.

"It could have ended up how the other two ended up. I am just happy. I am happy finishing second and happy for Daniel in first place. I will get my chance in the future so all good."