Norris: McLaren “over-fulfilled” with P5 & P6 at the French F1-GP | F1

McLaren started the race after a disappointing qualifying with eighth place in qualifying at the Circuit Paul Ricard on the rear foot, while teammate Daniel Ricciardo only finished tenth.

The impressive race pace combined with a long first stint enabled Norris to get past both Ferraris, Pierre Gasly and Ricciardo, into fifth place.

It is remarkable that it is the sixth time in seven races that Norris finished fourth in the drivers’ standings ahead of Valtteri Bottas from Mercedes.

“We did well today,” said Norris. “I didn’t really expect to be fifth and sixth for the team and fifth for myself. Especially the first lap was pretty bad for me, or really the start. I had a bad shift into second or third gear and lost a few positions.

On the subject of matching items

“Not perfect, but we just did well with the strategy. We took good care of the tires. And it worked for us. I am a little surprised, but I am happy. We will take it. Good points for us, so have a good weekend. “

Norris enjoyed a close battle with Gasly, with the Frenchman defending his position by running off the track at Turn 1, causing Norris to complain over the team radio.

On the subject of matching items

Thinking about his fight with the AlphaTauri rider, Norris explained, “I have to see it from the boards and stuff. It’s tough. I don’t want to comment too much. We race and things happen. The bad thing about it is that he completely lost the track. He forced me, but he even went away.

“Maybe he was a little too aggressive and will have to do a better job next time. But a lot of what he did was good. It was just the last bit he tried too hard. It’s a race and I think as long as he doesn’t do it again I’ll be happy. “

Ricciardo enjoyed one of his stronger races for McLaren, finishing sixth.

The Australian admits he struggled to keep up the pace at times, but was glad his team was able to break away from Ferrari in the constructors’ championship.

“To be the best in midfield for us today, when we started eighth and tenth and finished fifth and sixth, that’s really the race we were hoping for, but I’m not sure we expected it that way.” added Ricciardo. “Especially seeing Ferrari without points was a great day for the team.

“It was definitely a better weekend for me. So happy with it. The car was a small handful in the race, but everyone else struggled more and more. So it was something we could use, but it was fun. I had fun with a few battles and I enjoyed it.

“Chatted a little on the radio and then at the end I didn’t say please because I could see Gasly coming and I needed full concentration.”