The McLaren driver was the best of the rest behind the dominant Max Verstappen, qualifying second but some 0.537s off the Red Bull polesitter at Zandvoort.
Norris briefly looked a threat for pole in the final Q3 runs, going quickest in the first sector, but conceded his second half of the lap, which is where he lost so much time to Verstappen, was poor by his own standards.
“The first half the lap was mega. The second half of the lap was probably one of the worst second halves that I’ve done,” Norris said.
“So, it peaked very early on. It’s tough but I really enjoy these conditions.
“I’ve always enjoyed the conditions. It’s when we do well. I’m taking the P2 still.”
Asked what caused his second half of the lap drop, Norris replied: “The driver [peaked]. The tyres were good until the end. The driver peaked very early.
“I’ve got a bit of work to do. Not the most comfortable, but good enough. I’ll take it.”
But given Verstappen’s utter domination in 2023, and having threatened to take the top spot throughout practice and qualifying, Norris felt second place was a solid result ahead of the Dutch GP on Sunday.
“I’m happy still, P2 was a good result,” he said.
Source: Autosport