“It was a perfect lap. It was so close, and I’m super happy. Every pole is amazing, but this one has a special taste. This is my second F1 pole in my career. The first one was in Sochi but a long time ago, so I really enjoyed today’s result. I needed a perfect lap and we made it”.

McLaren racer Lando Norris scored the pole position from championship leader Max Verstappen at Montmelo in Spanish Grand Prix qualifying, finding just 0.02s on his final flying lap to secure the first pole position of the 2024 season. Third position for Lewis Hamilton, while Oscar Piastri finished in P10.

“It has been close all weekend but really it was about a perfect lap and that is what I did.”  Lando Norris celebrates with the team, aware that on the Spanish soil the MCL38 was very competive, if not the fastest car on track.

McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown commented about Lando’s spectacular lap.

“I’m really happy of this pole. Lando signed a fantastic lap, I would say perfect. The team made a great strategy too.  It ‘s a pity for Oscar, he was unlucky and finished in P10”.

Did he felt the pressure considered the MCL38 has been competitive all weekend?  “It’s only his second year and he always pushes, so it may happen that he can make some mistakes”.

On the other side of the garage, Norris was confident and fast since FP1. “Since Friday, Lando was super focused. Even before the qualifying, he was confident that the pole was possible. Now we need to remain concentrated because what it’s the race that counts. For sure we will start from a very good position, but the race the race will be tough. We will have to face Reb Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari. All the four teams will fight hard for the win. Oscar is not so close, but will study a strategy”.

The MCl38 continues to progress. Is it now the fastest car?

“Today it was the best car. I want to thank everyone on the team that are working hard and all the development of the car”.