The nail-biting Emilia Romagna Grand Prix concluded with the McLaren driver Lando Norris finishing third on the podium behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton.
Norris showcased some phenomenal driving at the Autodrome Enzo e Dino Ferrari. Further, he also earned praises from Hamilton for giving a challenging competition to the seven-time world champion in the circuit.
Third-placed Lando Norris of McLaren F1 celebrates on the podium with sparkling wine during the F1 Grand Prix of Emilia Romagna at Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari on April 18, 2021, in Imola, Italy.
The Mercedes official Twitter page uploaded a snap where Hamilton went up to congratulate the young Briton for his performance after the race and captioned, “Love this.”
Love this. 💛💜 pic.twitter.com/tOGn4H1KGk
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 18, 2021
Lando Norris and his performance at Imola
The 21-year-old Briton is one of the most promising talents and he evidently proved his worth on the Italian circuit. Norris struggled with the circuit during the Friday and Saturday session. He started the race in seventh place on the grid behind his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo.
As soon as the race began, the young Englishman took the lead from the ‘Honey-Badger’. Further, during the ninth lap, he took down Pierre Gasly of Alpha Tauri. It seemed like Norris was on a hunt to take down everyone ahead, to gain the lead.
Lando Norris takes the lead from his McLaren F1 teammate Daniel Ricciardo at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Autodrome Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Imola on Sunday, April 18, 2021.
After a while, the McLaren prodigy overtook his former teammate Carlos Sainz and Red Bull’s Sergio Perez for fourth and third place, respectively. However, before he could have challenged Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, the race was discontinued because of a massive crash.
As soon as the race resumed, Norris snatched the P2 from Leclerc. Meanwhile, Hamilton was buzzing ahead, with a heroic comeback to the front row from P8, after an incident at Tola.
Lando Norris of McLaren F1 snatches the P2 from Charles Leclerc of Ferrari F1 as soon as the race resumes after the red flag at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, April 18, 2021.
During Lap 55, the Mercedes (44) overtook the Ferrari (16). Furthermore, Hamilton chased Norris’s position on the circuit to steal the lead. The young Briton tried his best to protect the P2 from the seven-time world champion, but the Silver Arrow Knight steered ahead of the McLaren (4) during Lap 60.
Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes AMG F1 takes the P2 from Lando Norris of McLaren F1 during Lap 60 of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix on Sunday, April 18. 2021.
Lando fought hard to get back his position from the Mercedes driver but failed to do so and had to settle with the P3. However, the young driver is happy with the Imola results and further stated, “I tried hanging on to second, Lewis was a bit too quick for me today! “It’s nice to be fighting with these guys, and be there on merit, I look forward to more in the future.”
The podium finish wasn’t all for Norris’ outstanding performance, he was also voted as the Driver of the Day and gained appreciation from Hamilton. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen aced the race, and Lando’s teammate Ricciardo finished at P6.
"The fans voted you driver of the day!"
"I didn't think I had any fans, but thanks!" 😭
Your #F1DriverOfTheDay… @LandoNorris! #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/jalDG1BlCM
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2021
Lando Norris will again go behind the wheels of the MCL35M for the upcoming third race at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on Sunday, May 2. We might even witness the young driver attaining the top spot in Portugal. But Verstappen and Hamilton will pave a constant threat to Norris.
