Lando Norris praises McLaren turnaround after shock podium

Emilia Romagna Grand Prix

Norris praises McLaren turnaround after shock podium

Norris finished third having scored no points in the opening race

Ewan Gale

Sunday 24 April 2022 17:35

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Lando Norris has praised the turnaround of McLaren after taking his first podium of the season at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The British driver finished behind only the two Red Bull drivers at Imola after a stellar race that saw him move into the top three on the opening lap.

Despite falling back behind Charles Leclerc as the race went on, a late mistake by the championship leader allowed Norris to benefit and trail Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez home.

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The result was in stark contrast to the season opener in Bahrain where both Norris and team-mate Daniel Ricciardo were unable to make an impression on the top 10 positions.

Speaking on team radio on his cool-down lap, Norris said: "We just got another podium, who would have thought? Awesome work everyone, nice to see how much we have turned it around. Proud of you all well done."

Asked if it was a surprise to be on the podium, Norris replied: "Yeah of course.

"An amazing race, an amazing weekend to be honest. To beat Ferrari is much better than we were expecting always so I am happy.

"The team deserve it. From where we were in race one to now a podium, they all deserve it so top job to the team."

Mclaren podium "mixture" of hard work and weather

McLaren's fortunes were assisted by wet-dry conditions at Imola with rain affecting two of the three days of running.

Norris' start was better than both Ferrari drivers and he was able to run comfortably alone, ahead of Mercedes driver George Russell for the duration of the race.

On where the form came from, Norris explained: "The boring answer is just hard work. A lot of time and effort everyone is putting in back at the factory and everyone here.

"A mixture of this and tricky conditions this weekend so we have been able to capitalise on that as well. I love these conditions, I always do quite well and the same last year pretty much.

"A mixture, hard work and a great weekend, it all pays off."