Image Credits-F1
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Lando Norris displayed expert racecraft during today’s Grand Prix, overtaking Yuki Tsunoda in a thrilling move at Turn 2, despite initially being unable to pass on the start straight with the aid of DRS. The McLaren driver, known for his sharp overtakes, had positioned himself behind the AlphaTauri car coming out of the final corner, but even with the Drag Reduction System (DRS) advantage, Tsunoda’s defense held strong into Turn 1.
Undeterred, Norris cleverly set up a cutback maneuver through the first turn, diving down the inside at Turn 2 to make the move stick. His strategy not only gave him the advantage, but it also allowed him to retain DRS for the next straight, crucially helping him pull away from Tsunoda and consolidate the position as the race progressed.
Close behind, Nico Hulkenberg in the Haas followed suit, taking advantage of the opening created by Norris. With Tsunoda left vulnerable after losing the tow, Hulkenberg capitalized, breezing past the AlphaTauri driver as they approached Turn 3. Tsunoda, without the defensive aid of DRS, was powerless to fend off the German’s Haas, which surged ahead cleanly.
Both overtakes were a demonstration of the importance of timing and strategic use of DRS zones, as well as the value of patience in overtaking slower cars on tracks with limited passing opportunities. For Norris and Hulkenberg, it was a critical moment in their races, putting them further up the midfield battle, while Tsunoda, unable to defend his position effectively, found himself slipping down the order.
With the race proceeding further, Norris and Hulkenberg’s opportunistic moves will surely to have a lasting impact on their race outcomes.