Lando Norris qualifies eighth for US Grand Prix after track limits error

Lando Norris expressed significant frustration after qualifying eighth for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Despite believing the McLaren MCL40 had the pace for a second-place start, a track limits violation at Turn 19 resulted in his fastest Q3 lap being deleted.

Norris described the MCL40 as “easily the hardest car I’ve ever driven in my life,” noting that while the car possesses strong rhythm, it is extremely difficult to handle consistently. He specifically highlighted struggles in the third sector, describing the car's performance in slow-speed sections as “dreadful.”

McLaren's performance in Austin follows a period of difficulty for the team, which has failed to secure a podium in its last three races. While the team introduced new aerodynamic upgrades for this weekend, Norris noted that the car remains a step behind rivals like Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes. He will share the fourth qualifying row with teammate Oscar Piastri.