Norris took his first F1 pole in qualifying on Saturday at the Sochi Autodrom and looked like he would win the race before a late shower of rain rocked the race.
Norris initially decided against joining for the intermediates, a decision that ultimately backfired when he dropped to seventh after the pit stop and move, allowing Lewis Hamilton to win the race.
Norris felt “devastated” after the race, but it wasn’t the first time in recent years that a young driver lost his chance at a first Grand Prix.
Ferrari driver Leclerc was set to win the Bahrain Grand Prix in 2019 before engine failure slowed him down and dropped to third place, while George Russell and Alex Albon also lost their chances of victory at events over the past two years.
Leclerc admitted that losing a first race win this way was “difficult” and that Norris may have some responsibility for the decision not to pit.
But he backed the Briton to recover and eventually get his first win.
Lando Norris, McLaren, and Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, at the drivers parade
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“Of course I can imagine what he’s feeling,” said Leclerc.
“He’s probably part of the decision-making process in situations like this and feels very, very guilty.
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“But he’s a great driver. I think he’s shown it a lot this season. He’s had a very strong season and I’m sure he will learn from it.”
“It’s only a matter of time before his first win so yeah, I don’t think he should feel that down after the race he did.”
Russell’s chance to win came during his one-off appearance for Mercedes at last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix when a strategy error and a puncture prevented him from a likely win.
“It’s any driver’s worst nightmare racing and it’s raining so I’m really sorry for him,” said Russell.
“I was there last year. I know how it feels. He will have many more wins.”
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