Norris hails Verstappen after pole in Monza: 'It's never a surprise with Max!'

Lando Norris finished the Italian Grand Prix qualifying at Monza in second place, just behind Max Verstappen but ahead of title rival Oscar Piastri. Here’s what he had to say right after qualifying.

He missed out on pole by less than a tenth, but Norris can be fairly satisfied with his result in Italian GP qualifying.

The Englishman will start alongside Max Verstappen in tomorrow’s race, and on a track where overtaking is certainly possible, it will be crucial for him to try to position the Dutchman between himself and championship rival Oscar Piastri, who finished third.

Lando Norris at Monza

Norris just ahead of Piastri as Verstappen secures pole

Asked after qualifying if he was surprised to see Verstappen on pole, Norris replied: "Max has been quick all weekend and it's never a surprise with Max''

He then added: 'I't was quite a session for me, just up and down and too many mistakes here and there. To put it all together on the last lap was pretty happy so happy with P2.''

"I always give my result based on how I drove on the day. I feel like I didn't do the best of jobs but P2 I'm still happy with. Good things and bad things.''

"P2 is not a bad position to be off the line. I want to be ahead of everyone. A good position for tomorrow and excited for the race.''

And about the race, Norris finally added: "Sunday race pace is normally our strength but to get past Max I'm sure will be a challenge. I don't expect any magical things and we have some Ferraris behind who I'm sure will want to come through as quickly as possible."  

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