Norris: 'Happy to be back on top – Qualifying was difficult'

Lando Norris celebrated securing pole position at the Hungarian Grand Prix, triumphing in a closely contested qualifying session against Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton. The British McLaren driver delivered an exceptional lap in Q3 to claim the front starting spot for Sunday's race, marking his return to the top after a period away from pole position.

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I am very happy to be back on top. It was a difficult qualifying. These guys at Ferrari are very fast. The differences were marginal all weekend, but we showed speed from our first laps, and we brought some upgrades. It's hard to know exactly how much they help with time, but they certainly helped today. I am very happy to be back on top, especially at a track where you definitely want to start from pole position.

Following qualifying, Norris conveyed his immense satisfaction with his team's performance, while also highlighting Ferrari's pace. "I am very happy to be back on top. It was a difficult qualifying. These guys at Ferrari are very fast. The differences were marginal all weekend, but we showed speed from our first laps, and we brought some upgrades. It's hard to know exactly how much they help with time, but they certainly helped today. I am very happy to be back on top, especially at a track where you definitely want to start from pole position," he stated.

Norris also reflected on his final Q3 lap, admitting it wasn't his ideal performance but that the risks he took ultimately paid off. "I had confidence throughout the day. My Q3 laps weren't the best, even the one at the end, so it was a pleasant surprise to be on top. We are doing a good job. The car offers a good feeling, and I had the confidence I needed. I pushed harder on the final lap. Some risks paid off, some didn't, but the important thing is that we succeeded in the end. I am very pleased for the team, a big thank you to everyone for the hard work. Another big mission awaits us tomorrow," he added.

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My Q3 laps weren't the best, even the one at the end, so it was a pleasant surprise to be on top. We are doing a good job. The car offers a good feeling, and I had the confidence I needed. I pushed harder on the final lap. Some risks paid off, some didn't, but the important thing is that we succeeded in the end. I am very pleased for the team, a big thank you to everyone for the hard work. Another big mission awaits us tomorrow.

Despite securing pole, Norris is aware that the race on Sunday will be a significant challenge, with Ferrari expected to be a strong threat. "I am in the best possible position for the start, but these two Ferraris have good starts and have been fast all season. I expect a difficult race. It will be interesting to see which tires they start with tomorrow. Perhaps they are in a slightly better position in some areas, but otherwise, we did the job we needed to do today. I am satisfied and will prepare in the best possible way for the race," he concluded.

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I am in the best possible position for the start, but these two Ferraris have good starts and have been fast all season. I expect a difficult race. It will be interesting to see which tires they start with tomorrow. Perhaps they are in a slightly better position in some areas, but otherwise, we did the job we needed to do today. I am satisfied and will prepare in the best possible way for the race.