Dejected Norris rues clueless qualifying

SAKHIR, Bahrain - Formula One leader Lando Norris lamented a clueless performance after qualifying only sixth for the Bahrain Grand Prix, while McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri romped to pole position.

The dejected Briton, who leads Red Bulls four-times world champion Max Verstappen by just one point after three races and is 13 points clear of Piastri, said he could only blame himself.

No big complaints, the car is amazing, as good as it has been all season which is strong. Just I have been off it all weekend, he told reporters after the Saturday session at Sakhir.

I dont know why, just clueless on track at the minute. Just not quick enough, simple as that.

Oscar is doing a great job... I am not doing a good enough job. The team are doing an amazing job. I am not going to complain about the car not suiting my needs, added the 25-year-old.

I am not comfortable, it does not drive the way I like but thats not an excuse. The drivers job is to drive whatever car they get given and I cant drive this car quick enough.

Norris said he was struggling to figure out the best approach, how to flow with the car rather than fight it.

I have got to work on myself. I cant fault my team and the car is the best by a long way, he said.

McLaren boss Zak Brown told Sky Sports television Norris still had a good chance on Sunday, with the McLarens looking the pick of the field.

Hes got a great race car, hes a great racing driver, hes leading the championship so just a fresh start, a good nights sleep, said the American.

He just missed the first sector a bit and that just shows how competitive Formula