While a battle for the 4th place in the constructors’ championship is taking place between McLaren and Alpine, currently in favor of the French team by 20 points, McLaren has the advantage this weekend in the Netherlands.
Norris, qualifying 7th, is the best among the other teams this Saturday in qualifying (excluding Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren). If Ricciardo failed to make it into the top 10, neither of the two Alpines could do so either.
Esteban Ocon, 12th only simply lacked performance, despite innovations made on the Alpine. « The rear end is slipping and we are currently unable to find any grip at the back. » he explains.
In the past, we had some good races and now we are not so far from being able to score points tomorrow, so with the hope of nice overtakes tomorrow, maybe we can score some points too.
His teammate, Alonso, was visually hindered by Perez during his last fast lap and couldn’t improve his time, going into oversteer a few meters later. He was therefore close to breaking into the top 10 and the car had the potential for it.
« It wasn’t our day today. I had traffic in Q2 that cost me reaching Q3. I was half a second faster before getting obstructed…. maybe to get the 6th place. These things happen in Zandvoort. Let’s see if we can do better tomorrow, that’s where it counts.
»
Daniel Ricciardo is in a very bad position as well. The Australian driver, hindered by Vettel’s off-track excursion during Q1, was unable to make it into Q2. He will start in 17th position if no penalties improve his position, but he confirms that he was hindered: “It’s very painful to be eliminated in Q1. A car came out in front of me, creating a lot of dust, and it was hard to take the racing line. So, I lost time and couldn’t qualify for Q2.”
In an interview with Canal+, Ricciardo admitted that luck has been a little tough on him this year. It’s a shame because I feel like it’s been happening often this year. I hate to say it, but I think I need a little bit of luck right now… usually there’s a moment where you catch a little break, but I’m still waiting for it.
Norris is therefore the best positioned of the 4 drivers this Saturday in preparation for the race, but the points will be decided tomorrow.
