Lando Norris has consistently struggled with his race starts in 2024. Heading into the Qatar Grand Prix, he’s only converted three of his eight pole positions.
The first of those was in the Chinese GP Sprint, where Norris took a masterful pole in wet conditions. However, he ran off the road at turn one as he tried to hold the outside against Lewis Hamilton, and tumbled down the order.
In Spain, Hungary and Italy, he fell from first to third within the first few corners. Though the run to the first corner was short in the Netherlands and Brazil, Max Verstappen and George Russell were able to slip past.
It was only in Singapore that the McLaren driver managed to see off the threats behind. Without this recurring weakness, it’s certainly feasible that the title race would still be alive at the Qatar GP.
As it is, Verstappen has already sealed the title after leaving Las Vegas with a 63-point advantage. Norris could have an even stronger shot at his first title next year, with Red Bull unlikely to be dominant in the early rounds as they were this term, but he needs to work out what’s gone wrong off the line.
In Norris’ defence, drivers have generally found it difficult to convert pole in 2024. Only four of the last 14 races have been won from the first grid slot.
Lewis Hamilton taunts Lando Norris over poor getaways at Qatar Grand Prix
Norris’ rival Hamilton made an appearance on the fan zone stage before the Sprint race, along with Mercedes teammate Russell. He suggested that Russell should win the Sprint given Norris’ persistent first-lap issues.
The former Williams driver, who qualified on the front row, also taunted his former F2 competitor. But they agreed that he had the advantage of the clean side on this occasion.
In addition to reaction times, Norris must manage his wheelspin in the first phase of the first and then defend his position if necessary. Martin Brundle was frustrated with Norris at the US GP because he left the door open for Verstappen after a clean launch.
“You should win today, the Sprint,” Hamilton told Russell on the stage. “I don’t think Lando’s ever held off the line, so you should be good. Have you spoken to Lando?
He replied: “No, I need to say that, I’ll remind him. Has he held the lead at all this year?”
“There’s a lot of grip down on P1,” Hamilton added.
Lewis Hamilton changes his tone on McLaren driver Lando Norris
The positive for Norris is that he’s been so fast in qualifying this season. After 22 races, only Verstappen had more poles (eight vs seven).
His Sprint pole lap in Qatar was truly a joy to watch. He just seemed to have more confidence than his competitors.
Jenson Button was in awe of Norris through turn 16 as he serenely picked up the throttle on the exit. But these laps are often forgotten unless they lead to victories.
Lewis Hamilton was stunned by Norris’ pace, based on one unbroadcast radio message. He didn’t sound particularly impressed on Saturday, though.
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