BAKU, Sept 14 (Askume) – McLaren Formula One title contender Lando Norris failed to qualify for Saturday’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix opening round and will have to start Sunday’s race from 17th place.
The Briton had to slow his final attempt to drop out of the top five because of a yellow flag, causing him to miss the start.
“Everyone else did a second lap but I couldn’t,” Norris told Sky Sports. “Unfortunately, I could only pick it up.
“The race is still long, we have some good tyres and I still hope we can get a good result. I thought the car was fast. It’s a bit disappointing but I can’t do anything about it.”
It was the Briton’s first elimination since the inaugural handicap event in Las Vegas last November, when he started 16th before withdrawing from the race.
Norris is second in the championship, 62 points behind Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen.
McLaren have held intense discussions over a potential team order in preparation for the weekend’s race, with Norris seeking help from Australian team-mate Oscar Piastri, who qualified for Stage 2.
