Norris ‘disappointed’ to miss out on pole in Abu Dhabi as he explains approach to title-decider

Lando Norris admitted that he was “disappointed” to not take pole position for the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but the Briton vowed to try to win as he looks to claim a maiden World Championship.

After setting the pace in both of Friday’s practice sessions, Norris did not top the timesheets during any of Saturday’s Qualifying segments, with McLaren team mate Oscar Piastri and Mercedes’ George Russell going quickest in Q1 and Q2 respectively.

Max Verstappen then beat the rest of the pack in Q3, the Red Bull driver clinching pole thanks to his effort of 1m 22.207s. Norris proved to be his closest challenger, but at 0.201s adrift could not beat the Dutchman, meaning that the championship leader will line up in second on the grid.

Reflecting on the session straight after jumping out of the car, Norris explained: “It’s tough. It’s tough. Max did a good job, so congrats to him. We did everything we could. I think my lap was pretty good, I was pretty happy.

“Of course I’m disappointed not to be on pole for the final weekend, but we just weren’t fast enough today, so we’ll have to try and do it tomorrow.”

Sharing further thoughts later on, the 26-year-old suggested that the outcome of Qualifying “could have been a lot worse”, adding: “I expected it to be a lot closer into Q3, and the Quali battle then was between me and Oscar.

“Max was too far ahead – they were too fast. We didn’t quite have the speed in the car today. A tough one to take, but otherwise I think we got everything out of it. I think Oscar said he did a pretty good lap and I thought I did a pretty good lap. Just not fast enough come Qualifying, but tomorrow’s a new day.”

When asked how he is feeling about Sunday’s race – one in which he could potentially win his first title – Norris said: “Remarkably normal. I guess I feel the same, a little bit disappointed we couldn’t get first, even though it was just out of reach today.

“It’s just always nice to end the season on top like we did last year. We didn’t win the [Drivers’] Championship last year, but it was just nice to end with a win. That’s what I would like to do tomorrow, in either our cases. I feel good, and we’ll go in and do everything the same as normal.”

A podium would be enough for Norris to be confirmed as World Champion, regardless of where Verstappen and Piastri finish. However, when quizzed on whether he would simply aim for the rostrum or target victory instead, the British driver remained unsure.

“I don’t know. The time will come that I think of that,” he explained. “For now, I’m disappointed to not be on pole, and I still want to try and win tomorrow, so that’s going to be the goal.”