F1 News: Lando Norris Positive After Japanese GP Qualifying P3 - 'I Could Fight'

Lando Norris is "very happy" with his performance during the Japanese GP Qualifying session.

McLaren driver Lando Norris, right, speaks to Oracle Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen after the / Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman /

McLaren driver Lando Norris is feeling positive for the Japanese Grand Prix tomorrow after securing P3 on the starting grid. During his post-qualifying interview, Norris claimed he felt he "could fight" with the Red Bull's of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez on the front row.

Key Takeaways:

• Lando Norris secured the third spot in the qualifying session for the Japanese Grand Prix.
• Norris praised the car's performance, expressing confidence in its ability to compete with front-runners.
• Reflecting on McLaren's progress, Norris underscored the team's ongoing efforts to narrow the gap with the leading teams.

Nov 15, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren F1 Team driver Lando Norris of Great Britain speaks / Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

During his post-qualifying interview, Lando Norris claimed he was "very happy" with the car's performance today. The Belgian-British driver referenced McLaren's success at Suzuka in 2023 when he started from the same grid position and crossed the line in second with his teammate Oscar Piastri joining him on the podium in third position. He stated, as quoted by Sky Sports F1:

"It was exciting. You don't get many chances. We had a good car today. I could fight. I did some good laps, especially in Q3. I'm very happy with today. 

"A good one for us as McLaren. We had a good race last year and a good race last weekend, so nice to be here."

As the conversation shifted towards the impending race, Norris's optimism didn't wane. He acknowledged the strides made with the car throughout the weekend and the concerted efforts to reel in the dominant Red Bulls. He added:

"We had a good car all weekend. We made some good steps forward. We are trying to catch up with the Red Bulls. They did a good job and the whole team is doing a good job, so fair play to them.

"We are working hard and the hard work is paying off slowly. We will keep pushing.

"Today is a good start to the weekend. Tomorrow is the main job."

The qualifying results paint a promising picture for McLaren, with Norris spearheading their charge from the third position on the grid. Piastri will begin the race tomorrow from sixth.