Norris reveals brutal consequences of DNF-prompted big title battle swing

18:38, 31 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Lando Norris looked set to take P2 behind McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, or even mount a late-race challenge for the win, just before it all went up in smoke.

In the dying phases of the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris' race really died, with the Briton suffering from a power unit related issue.

Looking back, however, Norris is not hampered by the outcome, and instead looks on the bright side of things.

"I thought, honestly, this weekend was good," he said to GPblog among other media present after the race.

"It wasn't by much [that he trailed Piastri in the race], and I didn't lose out by much in qualy.

"I felt always pretty on top of things and a couple of little areas to improve on.

"If it wasn't for a little gust of wind down start finish yesterday, I'd be on pole. I'm sure the race would have looked a bit different today.

"The pace was very strong today, there is so many positives," Norris added optimistically.

'Will have to win every race now'

Touching on the big 25-point swing in the championship battle in favor of his teammate, Norris saw the work required to clinch his first world title, but was primed for the challenge.

"It's just close," he said referring to the margins that divide both drivers.

"I have a good teammate. He's strong, he's quick in every situation, every scenario.

"It's hard to get things back on someone who's just good in pretty much every situation," he admitted.

"But today is a different situation. It's just unlucky. It's not my fault. And sometimes that's just racing.

When asked what his approach will be now, after the deficit growth experienced in light of his Dutch GP demise, he's stern in his assessment.

"The only thing I can do is win every race. That's going to be difficult, but I'll make sure I give it everything I can."