F1 title challenger Lando Norris qualifies 17th for Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Lando Norris' challenge for the Formula 1 title took a blow Saturday as the McLaren driver was only 17th in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Norris was on what seemed to be a lap fast enough to progress from the first part of qualifying as one of the top 15. But he told broadcaster Sky that “I had to lift” — slow down — because of a yellow flag.

Norris is second in the standings, 62 points behind Max Verstappen with eight rounds of the championship remaining.