For the first time in his Formula 1 career, McLaren star Lando Norris sits second in the Drivers’ Championship.
He leapfrogged Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc after a slightly disappointing race for the Scuderia and Lando Norris extended his lead over the likes of Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez.
However, Norris was once again disappointed at the end of the Grand Prix despite securing another podium finish.
He secured the second pole position of his career, beating Max Verstappen over one lap on Saturday after delivering one of the best qualifying performances of his career.
Unfortunately – just as was the case in China when he secured pole position in the Sprint Race – Norris wasn’t in the lead by the time he had completed the first corner.
It was the Mercedes of George Russell that took the lead from fourth position and while he couldn’t hold onto first place, his move forced Norris to yield to Verstappen.
That was the pivotal moment in the Grand Prix and Norris was very disappointed at the end of the race.
However, the McLaren driver’s fans have told him on Instagram that he needs to stop being so harsh on himself at the end of races.
Norris sets incredibly high standards for himself and while this may have been a strong opportunity for him to win his second Formula 1 race, this time last year he would have been beside himself with happiness with a podium finish.
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Lando Norris fans tell McLaren star to stop being so hard on himself
Posting on Instagram after the race, Norris said: “P2 and a good load of points. Big thanks to all the papaya. I didn’t do enough for the win but we’re close. See you in Austria.”
He received plenty of replies from his hands encouraging him and telling him what a brilliant job he did.
Dianapeixoto_99: “Stop blaming yourself. Positive things only Okay? Stop being so hard on yourself.”
Kakabairros: “You’re second in the Drivers Championship! I’m so proud!”
Renieeele; “Closer and closer every race.”
Juliacevedob: “You did more than enough for us, we love you Landito.”
Ayraariany: “We always got your back Lando, keep fighting, I can sense more wins this year.”
Riannedeleur: “Don’t be so hard on yourself. You did amazing!”
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Lando Norris rues missed opportunity to win the Spanish Grand Prix
After the race, Norris cut a frustrated figure and in his post-race interview as relayed by the official Formula 1 site said: “The car was incredible today, I think we were for sure the quickest, I just lost it in the beginning.
“So yeah, disappointed, but a lot of positives, one negative and that kind of ruined everything.
“I know that. I can just work on it for next time and, apart from that, a good amount of points and a big thanks to the team because the car was amazing.”
Norris didn’t have the best getaway and while he did everything he could to defend from Verstappen heading into turn one, there was nothing he could do about Russell’s unbelievable run heading down the main straight.
However, the time it took him to clear the Mercedes will be a source of frustration and while he offset his strategy to try and benefit from fresher tyres later in the race, Verstappen always looked comfortable enough to cover him off.
While Norris’s fans want him to be less harsh on himself, it makes sense why he wants to maximise every opportunity he gets.
The field is so close right now that every time Norris is in a position to win, he’ll feel like he has to take it.
Verstappen very rarely makes a mistake and although he drove a nearly perfect race in Spain, Norris will still feel he should have done more.
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