Lando Norris has said he needs to improve his performance in his fight for the Formula 1 title at this weekend's Miami Grand Prix.
Norris heads into the sixth round of the new season in Florida 10 points behind his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and without a win since the start of the race in Melbourne.
Norris started the final two rounds in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia at a disadvantage, finishing sixth and tenth respectively. He improved his position by finishing third in Bahrain and fourth in Saudi Arabia, but Piastri won both races.
However, when asked if he was worried that the championship could go in Piastri's favour, Norris replied: “No, it doesn't worry me at all.”
“He (Piastri) is doing a really good job and that deserves praise.”
“I don't believe in momentum too much. I realize that I made some mistakes and didn't reach the level that I needed. But I'm confident that I can reach it soon enough.”
“This is the sixth race out of 24, although I know I can't say this forever. I know I need to move forward and change gears. I'm doing my best. I have the speed and the pace of the race. I just need to improve my qualifying, but I'm confident I can do that.”
“It's not a speed or ability issue. Things haven't clicked yet. But I'm working on it and hopefully I can show it in practice this weekend.”
Norris ended his 110-race winless streak in Formula One with victory at Miami's Hard Rock Stadium last year.
Norris added: “This place brings back great memories. As a kid I dreamed of winning Formula One and being at the top and I got to do that here.”
“Since I came back, there have been a lot of things that have made me smile here, and I plan to do that again.”
Max Verstappen was previously forced to miss scheduled press events due to the birth of his first child.
Verstappen, 27, is expecting a child with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.
The Dutchman, who currently sits third overall, just two points behind Norris, was due to speak to the media on Thursday.
However, his team Red Bull said the reigning champion would not be on track.
Verstappen is expected to return on Friday for practice and the qualifying sprint.
A Red Bull spokesman said: “Max will not be attending the media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.”
“Everything is fine and he will be at the track tomorrow for the race weekend.”
“We will not be making any further comment at this time out of respect for the privacy of Max and his family.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
