Lando Norris and McLaren went into the Mexican GP with high hopes. McLaren are only 80 points behind Gerrari in constructors and with the recent pace shown by the Papaya team, it is very much possible for them to overtake the Scuderia. Nonetheless, Fernando Alonso, who advised weeks ago that they’ll be able to fight McLaren for P4 in constructors, became a hurdle in Lando Norris’ way at the Mexican GP.

After finishing P2 at the US GP courtesy of Hamilton’s disqualification, McLaren and Lando Norris came into the Mexican GP with high hopes of beating both the Ferraris and maybe even the Red Bulls. However, the Red Bulls looked strong in the practice sessions but Ferrari was definitely in the range. A good opportunity for McLaren to gain points over the Scuderia.

Lando Norris was P8 in the final practice session. But it was the first session of qualifying where it went all wrong for Lando Norris. The Brit tried a lap on the mediums in the first part of Q1 but then boxed. He then risked it all on the final stint in Q1. Norris’ first lap wasn’t enough as he took too much kerb and almost lost control of the car. The Brit however still had time to start another lap.

Regardless, as fate would have it, Norris faces another disaster on the final lap. The name of the disaster you may ask? Fernando Alonso. On Norris’ final lap, Alonso spun after the tricky set of corners and caused a yellow flag. Norris was unfortunately to pass that section of the track when Alonso was still facing the other way around and as a result, had to back out. 

Contradicting Andrea Stella’s Encouragement, Lando Norris Baffled by McLaren’s “Shocking Difficulties”

The Briton was eliminated in the Q1 itself making the job to outscore Ferrari on Sunday harder. The Papaya army was left fuming by Norris bottling the opportunity. Let’s see what they had to say. 

“What a shame”: Lando Norris and McLaren battered after surprise Q1 exit

Fans took to Twitter to express their emotions after Lando Norris exited the qualifying session in Q1. Many targeted McLaren for sending him out on mediums for the first run. Others however targeted Lando Norris himself for bottling the first lap during his last stint. Whosoever fault it may be, the Papaya army was fuming for sure. Let’s see how the fans reacted.

Norris’ roller coaster journey with the Woking team has often had endings like Mexico qualifying, leaving his fans “getting done” with the consistent pain.

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Even McLaren may get the blame for some of these past events like Russia 2021, had they pit the Brit for intermediates, despite his express denial. Fans will look to blame the team again for being on medium tires & finishing last in Mexico City qualifying.

Whether it was Norris’ mistake like he did in Qatar, costing him the sprint pole & a decent grid start for the main race due to track limits is debatable. Alonso clearly impeded him so it doesn’t make sense to blame the 23-year-old.

More criticism for the Papaya team on their medium tires strategy!

Norris had stated that post COTA, none of the tracks may not be suitable for the MCL60. Thus, the Briton bottling his chances in Mexico doesn’t fit well as there were multiple competing cars in his way for taking glory.

Would Lando Norris be able to finish the race in points? Will Ferrari increase their lead over McLaren because of Lando Norris’ slip-up?

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