Lando Norris points to himself as the problem in qualifying for the 2025 Emilia Romagna GP as he bemoans his performance once again, whilst Oscar Piastri starts on pole for McLaren.
The 25-year-old will line up fourth on the grid behind Piastri, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes’ George Russell at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on Sunday, a circuit famed for being difficult to overtake at.
That means it’s likely his title rival and teammate will go on to secure the victory if he survives lights out and thus, the gap in the driver standings is poised to grow – even if the Brit manages to recover to finish second.
It’s been a theme of his 2025 Formula 1 season as he fails to maximise his pace over one lap and finds himself starting further down the order, with a poor outing in Bahrain followed by a crash in Saudi Arabia. That’s why Norris points to himself as the problem in qualifying at the 2025 Emilia Romagna GP.
“I guess I probably just wasn’t quick enough,” Norris told Sky Sports F1. “None of my performances in Q3 have been strong enough this year, so same thing.
Norris looks for Imola comeback after tough 2025 Emilia Romagna GP qualifying
Sounding downbeat, he now turns his attention to Sunday; but admits it’s a very familiar story as he confesses all he can do is try to move forwards by picking off the Mercedes and Red Bull ahead of him.
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Norris, famed for his strict self-critical approach, seemed as though the poor form is starting to take a toll on his confidence and seemed resigned to missing out on the win due to Imola’s limited overtaking chances.
“Same as every weekend,” Norris added. “I need to try to make up positions and go forward.
“It’s not easy because it’s not an easy track to overtake on, but it is what it is. It’s just the same story. Not good enough in qualifying, and try to have a fun race tomorrow.”
