McLaren&nbsp;impressed with their new-found speed at Silverstone on Sunday but Lando&nbsp;Norris&nbsp;warned there would&nbsp;still&nbsp;be times when they looked painfully slow. Norris&nbsp;finished second behind Red Bull's runaway championship leader Max Verstappen for the team's first podium appearance in the 10th race of a season they started on the back foot. His&nbsp;McLaren&nbsp;teammate Oscar Piastri finished fourth.

"It was amazing to watch how good his car was in high speed," commented Mercedes' seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished third after chasing&nbsp;Norris&nbsp;to the chequered flag. "That&nbsp;McLaren&nbsp;is a rocket ship. At high speed it was insane."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brad-pitt-respects-f1-and-thrills-drivers-at-silverstone-613740">Brad Pitt respects F1 and thrills drivers at Silverstone</a>

Norris&nbsp;felt the aerodynamically upgraded Mercedes-powered car was indeed very competitive, and almost on a par with&nbsp;dominant Red Bull on the high-speed parts of the circuit. "Towards the medium speed (areas) like Stowe, I would say we're close to being the best car on the grid," he said. "But we&nbsp;do&nbsp;have&nbsp;a poor car and I say poor, I would say pretty terrible, in the slow-speed corners. Extremely difficult to drive.

"We're going to go to a couple of tracks coming up where I'm sure people are going to be saying, 'What&nbsp;have&nbsp;you&nbsp;done now?' Like, 'How has it got so bad all of a sudden?' "It's just this track’s allowed us to look after the tyres nicely, keep them in a good condition. Simple as that. So a lot of it is track-specific."

McLaren&nbsp;moved up to fifth overall in the standings, ahead of Renault-owned Alpine who failed to score a point at Silverstone with two retirements. Ferrari are fourth and 98 points further&nbsp;down the road. The podium was the team's first at Silverstone since Hamilton in 2010.

"I&nbsp;don't want to get too excited, but good things&nbsp;have&nbsp;come from the upgrade," said&nbsp;Norris."But there are still&nbsp;plenty&nbsp;of things which are miles away from, say, competing in certain places with a Mercedes and as a whole package competing even with a Red Bull. So a lot more&nbsp;work&nbsp;to be&nbsp;done from both of those areas."

Team boss Andrea Stella said the indications were encouraging but&nbsp;McLaren&nbsp;had also surprised themselves by being able to keep ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes. "I think we&nbsp;have&nbsp;to acknowledge that the improvement seems to be genuine here in terms of race pace," said the Italian, who added that the cooler temperatures also helped with tyre management.

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McLaren impressed with their new-found speed at Silverstone on Sunday but Lando Norris warned there would still be times when they looked painfully slow. Norris finished second behind Red Bull's runaway championship leader Max Verstappen for the team's first podium appearance in the 10th race of a season they started on the back foot.

McLaren impressed with their new-found speed at Silverstone on Sunday but Lando Norris warned there would still be times when they looked painfully slow. Norris finished second behind Red Bull's runaway championship leader Max Verstappen for the team's first podium appearance in the 10th race of a season they started on the back foot. His McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri finished fourth. "It was amazing to watch how good his car was in high speed," commented Mercedes' seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished third after chasing Norris to the chequered flag. "That McLaren is a rocket ship. At high speed it was insane." Also read: Brad Pitt respects F1 and thrills drivers at Silverstone Norris felt the aerodynamically upgraded Mercedes-powered car was indeed very competitive, and almost on a par with dominant Red Bull on the high-speed parts of the circuit. "Towards the medium speed (areas) like Stowe, I would say we're close to being the best car on the grid," he said. "But we do have a poor car and I say poor, I would say pretty terrible, in the slow-speed corners. Extremely difficult to drive. "We're going to go to a couple of tracks coming up where I'm sure people are going to be saying, 'What have you done now?' Like, 'How has it got so bad all of a sudden?' "It's just this track’s allowed us to look after the tyres nicely, keep them in a good condition. Simple as that. So a lot of it is track-specific." McLaren moved up to fifth overall in the standings, ahead of Renault-owned Alpine who failed to score a point at Silverstone with two retirements. Ferrari are fourth and 98 points further down the road. The podium was the team's first at Silverstone since Hamilton in 2010. "I don't want to get too excited, but good things have come from the upgrade," said Norris."But there are still plenty of things which are miles away from, say, competing in certain places with a Mercedes and as a whole package competing even with a Red Bull. So a lot more work to be done from both of those areas." Team boss Andrea Stella said the indications were encouraging but McLaren had also surprised themselves by being able to keep ahead of Ferrari and Mercedes. "I think we have to acknowledge that the improvement seems to be genuine here in terms of race pace," said the Italian, who added that the cooler temperatures also helped with tyre management. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Lando Norris believes McLaren can improve plenty after finishing second in British Grand Prix

Max Verstappen demonstrated his and Red Bull's supremacy with dramatic effect on Saturday when he claimed a fifth consecutive pole position by topping qualifying for the British Grand Prix.

The double world champion and runaway series leader clocked a late best lap time to outpace McLaren's British driver Lando Norris by two-tenths of a second.

Australian rookie Oscar Piastri was third fastest in the second McLaren ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

"It has been a bit of a crazy qualifying and pretty hectic," said Verstappen of the wet and dry session run in changeable conditions. "But we stuck to our plans and I am very happy to have pole position."

As he celebrated, his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who trails him by 81 points in the drivers’ title race, suffered a fifth early exit this season in Q1.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Norris who briefly held provisional pole position claimed his third front row career start.

"This makes up for everything," he said. "But it’s always Max – he ruins everything for everyone too!"

Williams' Alex Albon was eighth ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly of Alpine.

After heavy rain, the track was damp as the first qualifying session began with Russell and Hamilton, on slicks, leading the way.

The Ferraris were both on intermediates along with the Haas drivers and Logan Sargeant as Russell set the first time before Hamilton spun into gravel at Stowe and recovered.

As he did, Verstappen went top only to have his lap deleted for exceeding track limits, Alonso taking over as fastest while those on 'inters' switched to slicks.

With 10 minutes to go, rain fell again, but not sufficiently to persuade a switch from slicks as Verstappen regained the ascendancy in 1:30.719 ahead of Alonso and Leclerc.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ddca-director-shyam-sharma-provides-latest-update-on-rishabh-pants-recovery-613381">DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery</a>

<h2>Wild finish</h2>

"Rain everywhere," reported Russell, while Albon had a fast lap deleted for track limits, leaving him 20th and last in his Williams, after dazzling in dry conditions in practice.

Team-mate American rookie Sargeant was 18th in a car that had the potential to qualify in the top ten.&nbsp;

With three minutes remaining, the action was red-flagged when Kevin Magnussen parked his Haas on track, close to the pits entry.

This led to a delay before, with Perez and Albon at the head of a queue, a re-start was scheduled – during which Verstappen pulled out, but hit the pit wall and damaged his car’s front wing.

After repairs, he was back out in a congested exit queue before a wild finish on a rapidly drying track saw Norris go top ahead of Leclerc and Russell.

Valtteri Bottas lost power, but survived – leaving Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyou, the under-pressure Nyck de Vries and Magnussen all missing out.

Q2 began with Alonso leading out in sunshine before Norris, Sainz, Ocon, Russell and Leclerc outpaced him, only for the Spaniard to respond as the track dried again.

In a flurry of improved laps, Hamilton went top to be dislodged by Norris, both on fresh tyres, but when the flag waved, it was Verstappen ahead of Piastri and Norris.

Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Sargeant and Bottas were eliminated and Drag Reduction System (DRS) was enabled for the top-ten shootout as the track was declared dry.

Hamilton topped in 1:27.717, but the Dutchman beat that by more than six-tenths in 1:27.084 to retain his supremacy, with Piastri third ahead of Leclerc and Sainz after the initial laps.

All pitted for fresh rubber and a final charge with four minutes remaining – Leclerc and Sainz this time at the head of the pit-lane queue – but it was Verstappen who held the upper hand again to beat Norris.

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Max Verstappen demonstrated his and Red Bull's supremacy with dramatic effect on Saturday when he claimed a fifth consecutive pole position by topping qualifying for the British Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen demonstrated his and Red Bull's supremacy with dramatic effect on Saturday when he claimed a fifth consecutive pole position by topping qualifying for the British Grand Prix. The double world champion and runaway series leader clocked a late best lap time to outpace McLaren's British driver Lando Norris by two-tenths of a second. Australian rookie Oscar Piastri was third fastest in the second McLaren ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz and the Mercedes of George Russell and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. "It has been a bit of a crazy qualifying and pretty hectic," said Verstappen of the wet and dry session run in changeable conditions. "But we stuck to our plans and I am very happy to have pole position." As he celebrated, his Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, who trails him by 81 points in the drivers’ title race, suffered a fifth early exit this season in Q1. Norris who briefly held provisional pole position claimed his third front row career start. "This makes up for everything," he said. "But it’s always Max – he ruins everything for everyone too!" Williams' Alex Albon was eighth ahead of two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly of Alpine. After heavy rain, the track was damp as the first qualifying session began with Russell and Hamilton, on slicks, leading the way. The Ferraris were both on intermediates along with the Haas drivers and Logan Sargeant as Russell set the first time before Hamilton spun into gravel at Stowe and recovered. As he did, Verstappen went top only to have his lap deleted for exceeding track limits, Alonso taking over as fastest while those on 'inters' switched to slicks. With 10 minutes to go, rain fell again, but not sufficiently to persuade a switch from slicks as Verstappen regained the ascendancy in 1:30.719 ahead of Alonso and Leclerc. ALSO READ | DDCA director Shyam Sharma provides latest update on Rishabh Pant's recovery Wild finish "Rain everywhere," reported Russell, while Albon had a fast lap deleted for track limits, leaving him 20th and last in his Williams, after dazzling in dry conditions in practice. Team-mate American rookie Sargeant was 18th in a car that had the potential to qualify in the top ten. With three minutes remaining, the action was red-flagged when Kevin Magnussen parked his Haas on track, close to the pits entry. This led to a delay before, with Perez and Albon at the head of a queue, a re-start was scheduled – during which Verstappen pulled out, but hit the pit wall and damaged his car’s front wing. After repairs, he was back out in a congested exit queue before a wild finish on a rapidly drying track saw Norris go top ahead of Leclerc and Russell. Valtteri Bottas lost power, but survived – leaving Perez, Yuki Tsunoda, Zhou Guanyou, the under-pressure Nyck de Vries and Magnussen all missing out. Q2 began with Alonso leading out in sunshine before Norris, Sainz, Ocon, Russell and Leclerc outpaced him, only for the Spaniard to respond as the track dried again. In a flurry of improved laps, Hamilton went top to be dislodged by Norris, both on fresh tyres, but when the flag waved, it was Verstappen ahead of Piastri and Norris. Nico Hulkenberg, Lance Stroll, Esteban Ocon, Sargeant and Bottas were eliminated and Drag Reduction System (DRS) was enabled for the top-ten shootout as the track was declared dry. Hamilton topped in 1:27.717, but the Dutchman beat that by more than six-tenths in 1:27.084 to retain his supremacy, with Piastri third ahead of Leclerc and Sainz after the initial laps. All pitted for fresh rubber and a final charge with four minutes remaining – Leclerc and Sainz this time at the head of the pit-lane queue – but it was Verstappen who held the upper hand again to beat Norris. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula One: Max Verstappen denies Lando Norris for British Grand Prix pole

McLaren&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One&nbsp;driver Lando Norris urged environmental activists on Monday not to put lives in danger with 'stupid and selfish' protests during this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Six "Just Stop Oil" campaigners ran on to the track after an opening lap crash at last year's race and the same group has disrupted cricket, horse racing, rugby and snooker in recent months.

Protesters scattered orange powder on the outfield at Lord's during the second Ashes cricket test in June. "There is a concern. It is a stupid thing to do to put your life in danger with cars driving around," Norris told reporters at McLaren's Woking factory at the reveal of a new&nbsp;one-off Google Chrome car livery for Silverstone. "It is a very selfish thing to do at the same time because of the consequences it has on the person that drives the car if something happened. "Everyone&nbsp;has a right (to protest) and I guess there are good ways of doing it and worse ways," added the 23-year-old Briton. "I hope people are smart enough not to do it. There are much safer ways to get just as much attention and do what they want to do."

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More than 140,000 spectators are expected on race Sunday at Silverstone. Those demonstrators involved in last year's protest at Silverstone&nbsp;were convicted in February of causing a public nuisance. Five of them ran on to the high-speed Wellington Straight after Alfa Romeo's Chinese driver, Zhou Guanyu, crashed and halted the July 3 race.

Cars were still driving back to the pit lane as marshals and police dragged the protesters away. "Going to a racetrack with cars coming at 200 mph is not the way to go about it," said Norris's Australian team mate Oscar Piastri. "They've had the consequences of their actions from last year, of course I hope it doesn't happen again. I'm sure Silverstone&nbsp;will have measures in place to stop it. "It's obviously a bit easier and less dangerous to jump onto a cricket field than a racetrack."

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McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris urged environmental activists on Monday not to put lives in danger with 'stupid and selfish' protests during this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris urged environmental activists on Monday not to put lives in danger with 'stupid and selfish' protests during this weekend's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Six "Just Stop Oil" campaigners ran on to the track after an opening lap crash at last year's race and the same group has disrupted cricket, horse racing, rugby and snooker in recent months. Protesters scattered orange powder on the outfield at Lord's during the second Ashes cricket test in June. "There is a concern. It is a stupid thing to do to put your life in danger with cars driving around," Norris told reporters at McLaren's Woking factory at the reveal of a new one-off Google Chrome car livery for Silverstone. "It is a very selfish thing to do at the same time because of the consequences it has on the person that drives the car if something happened. "Everyone has a right (to protest) and I guess there are good ways of doing it and worse ways," added the 23-year-old Briton. "I hope people are smart enough not to do it. There are much safer ways to get just as much attention and do what they want to do." Also Read: NBA: Anthony Edwards signs rookie max contract with Minnesota Timberwolves More than 140,000 spectators are expected on race Sunday at Silverstone. Those demonstrators involved in last year's protest at Silverstone were convicted in February of causing a public nuisance. Five of them ran on to the high-speed Wellington Straight after Alfa Romeo's Chinese driver, Zhou Guanyu, crashed and halted the July 3 race. Cars were still driving back to the pit lane as marshals and police dragged the protesters away. "Going to a racetrack with cars coming at 200 mph is not the way to go about it," said Norris's Australian team mate Oscar Piastri. "They've had the consequences of their actions from last year, of course I hope it doesn't happen again. I'm sure Silverstone will have measures in place to stop it. "It's obviously a bit easier and less dangerous to jump onto a cricket field than a racetrack." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

F1: McLaren driver Lando Norris warns protestors not to risk lives at British Grand Prix

Rookie McLaren driver Oscar Piastri Sunday said he believed he could beat new teammate Lando Norris in his maiden Formula One season, but admitted a steep learning curve awaited him. The 21-year-old, seen as one of the sport's hottest young talents, will make his bow in Bahrain testing this month after replacing fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who has returned to Red Bull as a reserve driver. Piastri said he had confidence in his ability to better Britain's Norris, but was also realistic about expectations. Asked if he could beat Norris, Piastri told Australian national broadcaster ABC: "Yeah, I think so."

"I think everyone has to have that self-belief that they can win, or if they're not in a position to win to do the best that they can with what they have," he added.

But the Australian said his main focus in 2023 was to set the foundations for a long F1 career.&nbsp;

"Putting (points and wins) numbers on my expectations is pretty difficult, especially in F1, I think it will depend where we are as a team, where the car is at," he said.

"For me, a successful year would be me setting the foundations for later in the year and the years to come, hopefully, and doing everything the right way from the beginning... starting good habits.

"If there's any results that come out of that, then that's a bonus."

Piastri was caught in a tug-of-war between Alpine -- where he was a reserve driver -- and McLaren last year with the former claiming he was contracted to them, even announcing him as part of their 2023 line-up.

But the Australian forced them into an embarrassing U-turn when he said he had no such arrangement.

An International Motoring Federation (FIA) arbitration panel judged in McLaren's favour, which saw the under-performing Ricciardo's contract terminated a year early so Piastri could join.

Piastri received plenty of negative publicity at the time and told ABC there had been "not too much" contact with Ricciardo since.

But he said he was grateful for the way his fellow Australian handled the situation.

"We got in touch through texts I guess once everything had unfolded last year and he was very supportive of me both personally and on the media front as well... which I'm very thankful for," he said.

"I'm sure I will see him around in the F1 paddock this year, he's back working with Red Bull."

Piastri's credentials face their first test at the opening race of the season in Bahrain in two weeks' time, before a huge occasion at his home Grand Prix in Melbourne, where he was born, on April 2.

"I grew up 10-15 minutes down the road from Albert Park," he said of the Australian Formula One circuit which will host the third race of the 2023 season.

"I was there last year as a reserve driver and it was a pretty electric atmosphere. So knowing that the crowd is going to be there, with me as the home driver now. It's going to be a very special event."

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Rookie McLaren driver Oscar Piastri Sunday said he believed he could beat new teammate Lando Norris in his maiden Formula One season, but admitted a steep learning curve awaited him.

Rookie McLaren driver Oscar Piastri Sunday said he believed he could beat new teammate Lando Norris in his maiden Formula One season, but admitted a steep learning curve awaited him. The 21-year-old, seen as one of the sport's hottest young talents, will make his bow in Bahrain testing this month after replacing fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who has returned to Red Bull as a reserve driver. Piastri said he had confidence in his ability to better Britain's Norris, but was also realistic about expectations. Asked if he could beat Norris, Piastri told Australian national broadcaster ABC: "Yeah, I think so." "I think everyone has to have that self-belief that they can win, or if they're not in a position to win to do the best that they can with what they have," he added. But the Australian said his main focus in 2023 was to set the foundations for a long F1 career. "Putting (points and wins) numbers on my expectations is pretty difficult, especially in F1, I think it will depend where we are as a team, where the car is at," he said. "For me, a successful year would be me setting the foundations for later in the year and the years to come, hopefully, and doing everything the right way from the beginning... starting good habits. "If there's any results that come out of that, then that's a bonus." Piastri was caught in a tug-of-war between Alpine -- where he was a reserve driver -- and McLaren last year with the former claiming he was contracted to them, even announcing him as part of their 2023 line-up. But the Australian forced them into an embarrassing U-turn when he said he had no such arrangement. An International Motoring Federation (FIA) arbitration panel judged in McLaren's favour, which saw the under-performing Ricciardo's contract terminated a year early so Piastri could join. Piastri received plenty of negative publicity at the time and told ABC there had been "not too much" contact with Ricciardo since. But he said he was grateful for the way his fellow Australian handled the situation. "We got in touch through texts I guess once everything had unfolded last year and he was very supportive of me both personally and on the media front as well... which I'm very thankful for," he said. "I'm sure I will see him around in the F1 paddock this year, he's back working with Red Bull." Piastri's credentials face their first test at the opening race of the season in Bahrain in two weeks' time, before a huge occasion at his home Grand Prix in Melbourne, where he was born, on April 2. "I grew up 10-15 minutes down the road from Albert Park," he said of the Australian Formula One circuit which will host the third race of the 2023 season. "I was there last year as a reserve driver and it was a pretty electric atmosphere. So knowing that the crowd is going to be there, with me as the home driver now. It's going to be a very special event." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Formula 1: Rookie McLaren driver Oscar Piastri upbeat ahead of the season

McLaren`s Lando Norris seized a sensational first Formula One pole position at the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday after seven- times world champion Lewis Hamilton hit the wall in a damp qualifying session. 
 
Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz joined the Briton on the front row in Sochi with Williams` George Russell, Hamilton`s team mate from next season, completing a top three that nobody would have predicted. 
 
Hamilton, who had been on provisional pole before everyone switched to slicks on a drying track, qualified fourth for Mercedes after a brush with the pit lane wall damaged his front wing at a key moment. 
 
He can still expect to take the championship lead back from Red Bull rival Max Verstappen on Sunday with the 23-year-old Dutch driver starting at the back due to engine penalties. Mercedes have never been beaten in Sochi. 
 
Norris, 21, whooped in delight at what he hoped would be the first of many poles. 
 
"It feels amazing....we made the decision in the end to go slicks. you never think you will get pole until you get it and now I`ve managed to do it. Extremely happy and big thanks to the team. They`ve done an amazing job," said the youngster. 
 
"It was tough. I am going to make myself sound good but it was tricky...The lap before I was two seconds down and I wasn`t very confident we were going to improve on the previous lap...I risked quite a bit and it paid off. I`m a happy boy." 
 
McLaren won the previous Italian Grand Prix at Monza in a one-two finish, and Australian winner Daniel Ricciardo qualified fifth in Sochi ahead of Spaniard Fernando Alonso in sixth for Alpine. 
 
Hamilton, whose team mate Valtteri Bottas qualified only seventh, complained he could not keep heat in the tyres when he returned to the track and he spun on his final flying lap. 
 
"It was just a mistake from myself. I`m incredibly disappointed in myself," said a deflated Hamilton of his pit lane prang. 
 
"Up until then I was in the groove, I was really in the zone. 
 
"I`m really sorry for all the team that are here and back at the factory because obviously that`s not what you expect from a champion. It is what it is and I will do my best tomorrow to try and rectify it." 
 
Verstappen, five points clear of Hamilton after 14 races, made only a brief appearance in qualifying with nothing to achieve. 
 
Mercedes have won every grand prix in Sochi since the first in 2014 and Hamilton can still hope for a record-extending 100th win on Sunday. 
 
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Timothy Heritage and Ed Osmond) 
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McLaren`s Lando Norris seized a sensational first Formula One pole position at the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday after seven- times world champion Lewis Hamilton hit the wall in a damp qualifying session.

McLaren`s Lando Norris seized a sensational first Formula One pole position at the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday after seven- times world champion Lewis Hamilton hit the wall in a damp qualifying session. Ferrari`s Carlos Sainz joined the Briton on the front row in Sochi with Williams` George Russell, Hamilton`s team mate from next season, completing a top three that nobody would have predicted. Hamilton, who had been on provisional pole before everyone switched to slicks on a drying track, qualified fourth for Mercedes after a brush with the pit lane wall damaged his front wing at a key moment. He can still expect to take the championship lead back from Red Bull rival Max Verstappen on Sunday with the 23-year-old Dutch driver starting at the back due to engine penalties. Mercedes have never been beaten in Sochi. Norris, 21, whooped in delight at what he hoped would be the first of many poles. "It feels amazing....we made the decision in the end to go slicks. you never think you will get pole until you get it and now I`ve managed to do it. Extremely happy and big thanks to the team. They`ve done an amazing job," said the youngster. "It was tough. I am going to make myself sound good but it was tricky...The lap before I was two seconds down and I wasn`t very confident we were going to improve on the previous lap...I risked quite a bit and it paid off. I`m a happy boy." McLaren won the previous Italian Grand Prix at Monza in a one-two finish, and Australian winner Daniel Ricciardo qualified fifth in Sochi ahead of Spaniard Fernando Alonso in sixth for Alpine. Hamilton, whose team mate Valtteri Bottas qualified only seventh, complained he could not keep heat in the tyres when he returned to the track and he spun on his final flying lap. "It was just a mistake from myself. I`m incredibly disappointed in myself," said a deflated Hamilton of his pit lane prang. "Up until then I was in the groove, I was really in the zone. "I`m really sorry for all the team that are here and back at the factory because obviously that`s not what you expect from a champion. It is what it is and I will do my best tomorrow to try and rectify it." Verstappen, five points clear of Hamilton after 14 races, made only a brief appearance in qualifying with nothing to achieve. Mercedes have won every grand prix in Sochi since the first in 2014 and Hamilton can still hope for a record-extending 100th win on Sunday. (Reporting by Alan Baldwin in London, editing by Timothy Heritage and Ed Osmond)

McLaren's Lando Norris takes first F1 pole as Lewis Hamilton hits the wall

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus.&nbsp;

Norris, aged 21, is currently in Dubai on holiday ahead of their planned training camp. He took a test for the virus on Monday after recognising loss of taste and smell, which is one of the symptoms for COVID-19.

Norris has informed his team and everyone he had been in touch with recently about the result of his coronavirus test.

McLaren confirmed the development as they released a statement: "McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for covid-199 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp. After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team.&nbsp;

"In line with local regulation, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days. He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-contract-top-of-the-agenda-now-f1-season-is-done-349887" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-contract-top-of-the-agenda-now-f1-season-is-done-349887&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwitzI_1iIXuAhWkxDgGHcjSBm0QFjAGegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw09HRAhef8eynHcUy0r5gtR" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hamilton-contract-top-of-the-agenda-now-f1-season-is-done-349887" target="_blank">Hamilton&nbsp;contract top of the agenda now F1 season is done</a>

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Even Norris took to social media platforms to confirm the development as he said that he has no other symptoms other than loss of taste and smell.

"Hi everyone, hope you are keeping well. Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self isolated and took a test. It's come back as positive, so I've told everyone that I've been in contact with and will be self isolating for the next 14 days. I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know. Take Care," Norris tweeted.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-hamilton-to-ronaldo-athletes-who-tested-positive-for-covid-19-in-2020-352776" hreflang="en">From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020</a>

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— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) <a href="https://twitter.com/LandoNorris/status/1346458552769146880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Norris is set to be partnered by ex-Renault and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming 2021 season. 
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McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus.

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now self-isolating after reassuring fans that he has only shown mild symptoms. Norris becomes the fourth Formula 1 driver after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll to test positive for the dreaded coronavirus. Norris, aged 21, is currently in Dubai on holiday ahead of their planned training camp. He took a test for the virus on Monday after recognising loss of taste and smell, which is one of the symptoms for COVID-19. Norris has informed his team and everyone he had been in touch with recently about the result of his coronavirus test. McLaren confirmed the development as they released a statement: "McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for covid-199 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp. After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team. "In line with local regulation, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days. He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms." ALSO READ: Hamilton contract top of the agenda now F1 season is done pic.twitter.com/s5fypbYNjx — McLaren (@McLarenF1) January 5, 2021 × Even Norris took to social media platforms to confirm the development as he said that he has no other symptoms other than loss of taste and smell. "Hi everyone, hope you are keeping well. Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self isolated and took a test. It's come back as positive, so I've told everyone that I've been in contact with and will be self isolating for the next 14 days. I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know. Take Care," Norris tweeted. ALSO READ: From Hamilton to Ronaldo: Athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020 pic.twitter.com/PG46RCvz3j — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) January 5, 2021 × Meanwhile, Norris is set to be partnered by ex-Renault and Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo for the upcoming 2021 season.

Formula One: McLaren's Lando Norris tests positive for COVID-19

Norris, who made his Formula One debut last year, has made 33 starts so far with one podium finish.McLaren’s racer Lando Norris on Tuesday publicly apologized for recent comments, without naming anyone, after the Briton played down Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One triumph at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

Norris, 20, the youngest driver on the grid, had criticized Racing Point’s Lance Stroll after the duo collided during the race. While Norris ended up 13th, stewards published Stroll for the incident.

“I owe an apology,” said Norris to his 750,000 followers on Twitter. “I’ve been stupid and careless with some things I’ve said lately in media and interviews, and haven’t shown the respect I should have to certain people.

“I’m not that kind of person, so know I should apologise to them but also everyone reading/listening. Sorry.” 
Norris was asked about Hamilton becoming the most successful F1 driver ever (in terms of wins) as he overtook Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher while shattering the record books.

“I’m just happy for him, nothing more,” the Briton had replied.

“It doesn’t mean anything to me, really. He’s in a car which should win every race, basically.

“He has to beat one or two other drivers, that’s it. Fair play to him, he’s still doing the job he has to do.”

Hamilton has won eight of the 12 races this season and is eyeing record-equalling seventh world championship, which would confirm him as the most successful racer in the history of the sport. He has average 10 wins in a season since 2014.

Whereas, Mercedes have won the last six championships and are on course to clinch the seventh in Italy next weekend. 
Meanwhile, Norris who made his F1 debut in 2019, has so far made 33 starts thus far with one podium finish. 
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Norris, who made his Formula One debut last year, has made 33 starts so far with one podium finish.McLaren’s racer Lando Norris on Tuesday publicly apologized for recent comments, without naming anyone, after the Briton played down Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One triumph at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix.

Norris, who made his Formula One debut last year, has made 33 starts so far with one podium finish.McLaren’s racer Lando Norris on Tuesday publicly apologized for recent comments, without naming anyone, after the Briton played down Lewis Hamilton’s record 92nd Formula One triumph at Sunday’s Portuguese Grand Prix. Norris, 20, the youngest driver on the grid, had criticized Racing Point’s Lance Stroll after the duo collided during the race. While Norris ended up 13th, stewards published Stroll for the incident. “I owe an apology,” said Norris to his 750,000 followers on Twitter. “I’ve been stupid and careless with some things I’ve said lately in media and interviews, and haven’t shown the respect I should have to certain people. “I’m not that kind of person, so know I should apologise to them but also everyone reading/listening. Sorry.” Norris was asked about Hamilton becoming the most successful F1 driver ever (in terms of wins) as he overtook Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher while shattering the record books. “I’m just happy for him, nothing more,” the Briton had replied. “It doesn’t mean anything to me, really. He’s in a car which should win every race, basically. “He has to beat one or two other drivers, that’s it. Fair play to him, he’s still doing the job he has to do.” Hamilton has won eight of the 12 races this season and is eyeing record-equalling seventh world championship, which would confirm him as the most successful racer in the history of the sport. He has average 10 wins in a season since 2014. Whereas, Mercedes have won the last six championships and are on course to clinch the seventh in Italy next weekend. Meanwhile, Norris who made his F1 debut in 2019, has so far made 33 starts thus far with one podium finish.

McLaren's Lando Norris apologises for 'stupid and careless' comments

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