Rand Norris says he does not wish to push his automotive’s limits, however really desires to crash, after receiving end-of-session suspension harm throughout FP2 on the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
31 factors away from the championship lead, Norris was pushing the laps with comfortable tires when he was categorised as Flip 4. His steering wheel was locked to the appropriate, and his automotive abruptly clenched, slapping the outer barrier with the left wheel. The harm was quickly, and Britton was uncooked again within the pit lane to retire from the session.
However regardless of finishing simply 7 laps for the session – It was an enormous complicated time for the primary apply – Norris stated the proximity of competitors this season offered an incentive to seek for restrictions.
“I felt good up till then,” he stated. “I’d reasonably have this and discover it reasonably than pushing in any respect.
“I’ve to push. That is powerful. I am in opposition to some good folks. I’ve to push and discover my limits.”
Not solely did the incident depart Norris with none consultant time, it additionally had the chance to finish a long-term simulation with Pirelli’s softest C6 tire compound, new to this circuit this season and used on three tracks this yr.
“It is pricey, particularly right here,” he stated. “I’d have wished to place some excessive gasoline wraps in, particularly with these tires, which is a softer compound in comparison with final yr.
“The truck could be very totally different from final yr. It is a fairly quick, comfortable compound and I do not use it typically. But it surely’s what it’s. I have to make up for it.”
Norris stated he wasn’t the one one battling a clear knee in Baku, however his teammate Oscar Piastri misplaced his shot in a typical quick time, locking as much as a faucet on the barrier at flip 15 after which on flip 2.
“I am definitely late to check proper now, however that is a crude session from each my facet and Oscar,” Norris stated. “He appeared to be having a little bit of a battle with the automotive, so we’ll see what we are able to make up for tomorrow.”
The title chief stated he felt that regardless of his sense of getting a field-leading efficiency, he discovered it probably the most troublesome to extract from his automotive.
“I believe the tempo is there. It isn’t the best to profit from it at this level,” Piastri stated. “That is in all probability the principle factor. I’ve tried a number of issues with FP2. I am certain I will look again and see what’s going to change for tomorrow.”
Regardless of optimism from each side of the storage, McLaren stated he may flip issues round on Saturday, and Norris stated he expects Paul’s struggle and victory to be powerful.
“It definitely looks like Ferrari is in it,” he stated. “Despite the fact that Oscars gained, they have been simple and simple right here final yr. I believe Ferrari shall be fast.
“Purple Bull shall be sooner. They’re by no means good on Friday, however they’re going to get up to sleep and get sooner once more. I am hoping to see a problem from not less than three automobiles tomorrow.”
