Lando Norris was “annoyed” to see his chances at a British Grand Prix podium scuppered by a poor pit-stop.
The McLaren driver ran third early on after overtaking Valtteri Bottas at the second start following the Lap 1 collision between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
However, hopes of a fourth podium in 2021 would end as a problem at the right-rear on Norris’ car during his stop allowed Mercedes to pit the Finn and resume in front.
“I don’t know what to say,” he said post-race. “It was still a very good race at the end of the day.
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“I held onto third for the whole of the first stint so we had the pace to hold [Bottas] off, but because of the pitstop, I didn’t get the chance to be ahead and defend for as long as possible.
“I’m still P4 in my home race, and that’s a good result from sixth yesterday.
“Just here, I just wanted that little bit more. It would have been nice to fight for the podium and have that opportunity.
“But fourth and fifth for us as a team is still a good result,” he accepted. “Fourth is still a very good result for us, so it’s not like I’m really annoyed.
“I am just annoyed that I didn’t get the opportunity to fight and put on a good show and at least have some battling and some racing.”
Tell us how this makes you feel, team. ? #FansLikeNoOther #BritishGP ?? pic.twitter.com/9bPXJNg3Kl
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 18, 2021
‘Lando-mania’ was pretty evident around Silverstone with the amount of papaya almost appearing to match the black and silver of Mercedes and Hamilton.
Throw in the new Sprint Qualifying format and Norris admits the British GP was one to remember.
“It’s still been a fun weekend,” he stated. “It’s been a pleasure to have all the fans back, and it’s been a lot more enjoyable because of that, and means a lot more as a driver.
“Incredible,” Norris added. “I can’t wait to come back next year and give it another shot!”