Lando Norris admits he was nervous about McLaren’s title hopes after Oscar Piastri was hit initially of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, earlier than taking the win that secured the constructors’ championship for the group.
McLaren began with each drivers on the entrance row and understanding a win would assure the title even when Ferrari completed second and third. Such a consequence for the Scuderia appeared unlikely with Charles Leclerc beginning on the again row, however Piastri was hit by Max Verstappen at Flip 1 and Leclerc had a superb first lap, placing the stress on Norris to ship.
“I’m very, very completely happy, simply as I’m certain everybody within the group is,” Norris mentioned. “At this time was a really big day for all of us. It was ours to lose right now — and I’m certain at sure moments, individuals thought that it was not far-off from being misplaced. Two Ferraris up there, and Charles did an awesome job to get again to the rostrum.
“Oscar was tremendous unfortunate — he acquired taken out in Flip 1 — so for a minute, my coronary heart was like, ‘Oh God, it’s not wanting as doubtless.’ But when I simply preserve my head down and preserve centered, I knew I might ship and do what I’ve acquired to do.
“However the greater image of us successful a championship for the primary time in 26 years — you wouldn’t have thought that while you say the title McLaren, it feels mistaken to say that they’ve not received a championship in 26 years. However for me to be a part of that, for Oscar to be a part of it, is one thing we’re extremely happy with. And delivering that for the group has put the largest smiles attainable on everybody’s face.
“That is the largest reward you may give again to everybody who designs the automotive, builds the automotive, will get the companions; everybody has performed such an enormous half. So, simply proud. In fact, I’m completely happy I completed the season this manner, however I’m far more completely happy for the group than I’m for myself.”
Norris admits he was checking the standing of the race on the screens across the observe and as quickly as he noticed Leclerc making progress, he was conscious of how tense the scenario was whereas he additionally struggled to shake off Carlos Sainz within the first half of the race.
“I used to be watching the TV screens and I noticed Charles was P8 after lap 1. So I used to be a bit bit nervous, however I knew I simply needed to deal with myself, put my head down and Carlos was by no means far-off. I feel the largest the hole was 4.2 seconds within the first 10 and that’s not a really good hole in my view. It’s a bit too shut for my consolation.
“So it was a tough race and I’m certain there was in all probability much more nervous individuals on the pit wall and within the storage understanding what was at stake. And I acquired the adrenaline of the automotive and centered on that. For them, they’re simply sitting and watching the screens and so they have much more time to consider what can go mistaken and all of that.
“A disgrace for Oscar. We actually needed to have a 1-2 right now and end and let McLaren be on prime right now as a group in a race, but additionally for a championship. I felt fairly dangerous for him — it wasn’t his fault, however he’s had an awesome yr. So we’ll all rejoice collectively. I actually am and I’ll have some enjoyable.”
