Norris Counts His Blessings After Brake Trouble at Chinese GP
Lando Norris described himself as “lucky” to finish in second place at the Chinese Grand Prix despite experiencing a critical brake problem that threatened his race in the closing stages. The Mclaren driver extended his Formula 1 championship lead to eight points, finishing 9.748 seconds behind teammate Oscar Piastri, who took the chequered flag.
Brake Issues Almost Cost Norris
Norris faced a nail-biting finale as he struggled with failing brakes. “I was lucky. Lucky to finish the race today, which is not something you want to be saying,” he told Sky Sports. The Briton revealed that if the race had lasted another lap, Mercedes‘s George Russell, who finished third, would have likely caught him.
A Driver’s Worst Nightmare
The implications of brake failure were not lost on Norris, who quipped, “Brakes are something you hate but you really do need; they can save your life. It’s just the worst feeling when you go to press the brake and nothing happens.” He added humorously, “Try going round a roundabout with no brakes and you start to understand what it’s like.”
Tension as the Race Unfolded
The last few laps were particularly nerve-wracking for Norris, who felt the brakes deteriorating every lap. “I was three or four seconds off; quite nervous,” he admitted. Despite the challenges, he managed to secure vital points for the championship.
The Race in Detail
Norris entered the race fresh off a pole-to-win performance at the Australian Grand Prix but qualified third this time, with teammate Piastri in first. It was a strong start that saw him overtake Russell for second place early on. Reflecting on the race, Norris remarked, “I would have loved to have challenged Oscar today. I had the pace for sure… but Oscar completely deserved it.”
Team Collaboration Under Pressure
McLaren’s team principal, Andrea Stella, provided insight into the situation, explaining that the brake issue was identified 15-20 laps from the finish. “Lando did a very good job… adapting his driving style so it didn’t become a terminal problem,” he said. The team’s ability to manage the situation ensured they secured a strong P1-P2 finish.
Looking Ahead
With the championship lead now extended, Norris is keen to address the brake troubles as he prepares for the next race. “Shame about my brakes in the end but that’s life and we’ll take it on the chin and move on,” he concluded. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Norris and McLaren handle these challenges moving forward.
