McLaren driver Lando Norris admitted he was fortunate to complete the Chinese Grand Prix, securing second place, after experiencing a frightening brake problem.
Norris, trailing winner Oscar Piastri by just three seconds, faced a critical moment when his brake pedal became unresponsive, hindering his car`s deceleration.
He finished a mere 1.3 seconds ahead of Mercedes` George Russell, believing he would have been forced to retire had the race continued for only a few more laps.
“The last few laps were terrible,” Norris told Sky Sports F1. “It`s like navigating a roundabout without brakes. A very unpleasant experience. We weren`t sure of the exact cause or what was happening.”
“We were lucky to reach the finish line. George was very close behind at the end. Brake failure is a driver`s worst fear. It`s a terrible sensation when you press the brakes and nothing happens, and your foot goes all the way down.”
“I barely had enough to finish, but another lap or two and I doubt I would have made it.”
Stella: Brake Issue Unacceptable
The Shanghai circuit is known for its heavy braking zones, especially at the end of the long straight, making brake reliability crucial.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed strong disapproval of the issue, highlighting the potential danger Norris faced.
“I am pleased with the one-two finish. However, we were under pressure on the pit wall, and I`m sure the team and fans were too, due to a brake pedal problem on Lando`s car that we had to manage for the final part of the race,” Stella stated.
“Lando and the team did an excellent job managing the situation by adapting his driving style. However, this kind of reliability issue that jeopardizes results is unacceptable. We must improve and will emphasize this point to the entire team. While they have performed exceptionally well, reliability issues like this cannot happen.”
Norris Praises Team for Top Car
Despite the scare, Norris still holds a lead in the F1 Drivers` Championship over Max Verstappen.
McLaren`s strong performance also reinforces their position in the constructors` championship.
Norris added, “The team is doing an incredible job maintaining the car`s performance. With stable regulations, improving the car becomes increasingly challenging.”
“The team`s winter efforts to deliver such a competitive car are commendable. We are grateful to everyone at MTC. Despite our usual complaints, we recognize and appreciate their hard work in providing us with a car that performs this well.”
“We believe we have a top car, although it`s admittedly more challenging to drive than last season. Improving driveability is our next focus, which will boost our confidence even further.”
The Formula 1 season continues at the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit.
Marcus Prine