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1 week Ago
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy McLaren have made their move. Ahead of last weekend's Azerbaijan Grand Prix and with eight grands prix and three sprint races to go, championship contender Lando Norris will now receive No 1 status.
At long last, some might say. Others will say it has come too late. Norris trails Max Verstappen by 59 points in the standings and now, with teammate Oscar Piastri told that prioritisation will go to the British driver – though there is still a lack of clarity in some scenarios – there are no excuses for the Bristolian now.
If Norris were to chase down Verstappen and win his first world championship in Abu Dhabi in December, it would be the mightiest comeback in F1 history. But to do so, and take advantage of performances in qualifying that have been sumptuous in recent months, he has one obvious area to strengthen. It is now seven times that Norris has started an F1 race on pole – and seven times that he has failed to lead when starting lap two.
What has Norris been doing wrong? Are there repeated issues at the start line? We break down all seven of those pole position starts – dating back to 2021 – to highlight where Norris must improve if he is to start claiming consistent lights-to-flag victories with the minimum of fuss. 1) Russian Grand Prix, 2021 A day which will live long in Norris' nightmares. One day after sealing his maiden pole position in Sochi, the Brit started at the front of the grid and reacted quickly off the line, holding off Carlos Sainz in the initial stage.
However, at turn two, Norris covered the inside line too early and Ferrari's Sainz swept around the outside to take the lead – sound familiar? Norris fought the Ferrari back, but could not...
Kieran Jackson.
