As the race in Istanbul Park was characterized by difficult conditions, with running drizzle and low clouds preventing the track from drying out completely, the drivers had a challenge handling their tires.
And for Norris, one thing that stood out when trying to increase the order was the limited visibility at the beginning.
“In the laps before the start, I couldn’t really see anything,” explained the McLaren driver. “I was pretty scared how bad it was. But I think I managed to fill a gap on the first lap and control it very well from then on.
“I think it’s because the water is pretty much on the surface. It’s obviously not dried so there is always a bit of water and I guess it’s not like down in the cracks [the asphalt]. “
This year’s Belgian Grand Prix had to be stopped after three laps behind the safety car due to concerns about poor visibility in the wet conditions.
Norris said what he experienced in Turkey was pretty bad and the kicked-up water with an oily content sticking to the cars and visors didn’t help.
When asked if the spray was worse in Turkey than anywhere else, Norris said, “I would say a little more. But it’s awful on other tracks, probably every other track you go on. It just remained a little bad.
“On the first lap it was more oily water than just water, if that makes sense. So it became a bit more blurry and so, as well as the water that got into the visor. “
Despite Norris’ concerns about the spray, F1 Race Director Michael Masi never believed that conditions in Turkey were ever as bad as they were in Belgium.
“After talking to some drivers after the race, I don’t think the spray was any worse than at Spa,” he said. “I’m pretty sure about it.”
Other drivers also mentioned how the dirty spray made them difficult in the race. Yuki Tsunoda claimed that this contributed to the spin that cost him a points rating.
“There wasn’t [a clear] Mirror, I couldn’t see anything because of dirt and dust, ”he explained.
“I just couldn’t watch, I thought there was a car right behind me so I just had to push and spin. Still, the spin ruined my entire race, so it’s a shame. “
