Motor racing-McLaren clear on F1 pecking order after trailing Ferrari in Japan

Formula One F1 - Japanese Grand Prix - Suzuka Circuit, Suzuka, Japan - April 7, 2024 McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in action during the race REUTERS/Issei Kato

SUZUKA, Japan (Reuters) - McLaren's Lando Norris said it was disheartening to fight a losing battle against Ferrari in Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix and that it was clear the Italian team still has the edge when it comes to pace.

Norris had been upbeat about challenging for victory at Suzuka after qualifying third fastest but on race day the Briton was nowhere near the two Red Bulls, who finished 1-2, and finished fifth behind Ferrari's Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.