Lando Norris admits pole position 'tricky' in wet Chinese GP Sprint Shoot-out

This unexpected triumph marked Norris's second Sprint pole, reminiscent of his Sao Paulo feat in 2023, and dashed Lewis Hamilton's hopes of claiming his first Sprint pole since 2021.

Reflecting on the demanding circumstances, Norris admitted to battling nerves as the weather deteriorated. "It was tricky. You're always nervous going into a session like this. Especially for qualifying when you almost know it's going to rain," he confessed. 

Despite the tension, Norris remained confident in his team's performance, citing their strong pace throughout the weekend.

Navigating the treacherous track, Norris described his final lap as a high-stakes gamble, fraught with aquaplaning challenges. "I was a little bit nervous and I made a few mistakes, and started to aquaplane quite a bit. But it's good fun – gets your heart going and to end up on top is exactly what we wanted," he remarked.

Asked about his prospects for the Sprint race, Norris admitted uncertainty but expressed faith in his team's preparations. "Not a clue, but we did some of our homework this morning," he revealed. "But the race is all very different to qualifying, so I’m sure everyone is going to catch up a bit tomorrow."

The Chinese Grand Prix marks the fifth race of the 2024 F1 season, featuring the inaugural Sprint weekend of the year. Set against the backdrop of the 5.451-kilometre Shanghai International Circuit, the race promises excitement and unpredictability as drivers vie for victory over 56 laps on Sunday, April 21.

Norris's stunning pole position not only underscores his formidable talent but also sets the stage for a fiercely contested Sprint race, where strategic prowess and adaptability will be paramount.