Lando Norris 'needs to see psychologist' after warning sign spotted at Spanish Grand Prix

advised to see a sports psychologist after picking up on a worrying sign during his final qualifying lap at the . Norris was pipped by just over two tenths as his team-mate and principal title rival, , put in a superb performance to clinch pole position.

Rosberg was on Sky Sports co-commentary duties for qualifying at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, and he immediately remarked on what he perceived as Norris 'over-driving' on his final push lap. Reflecting on the McLaren battle, 2016 world champion Rosberg put the result down to an issue which he feels Norris could address by tackling the 'mental' side of motor racing.

"Everything had gone perfectly for Lando," Rosberg told Sky Sports. "He was first until that last run. From my point of view, he needs to work on the mental side. We all work hours and hours training our bodies.

"I don't know if Lando has a mental coach. Does he work with a psychologist or not? He definitely should because there's so much value in that. I worked with one, just to help us understand the best possible approach. I did two hours every two days leading up to the season. It was more difficult than the physical training. It was insanely difficult and extremely valuable."

Each Grand Prix position is crucial even at this early stage of the season, with Norris and Piastri separated by just three Drivers' Championship points.

And although Piastri will have the slight advantage going into Sunday's race, Norris refused to be downbeat about his qualifying result.

He said in an interview with Sky Sports: "Oscar drove very well. The pace is definitely there, just a couple of little mistakes. A good result for the team, a nice one-two and an interesting start for tomorrow. It's a long run down to Turn 1, which is normally interesting and we have a lot of quick guys behind us, so we won't count them out. A good result today, I'm happy."

Max Verstappen is just about clinging onto the McLaren duo's coat-tails heading into the ninth Grand Prix of the season. The Red Bull star is only 25 points off the Championship lead despite driving a car that neither Liam Lawson nor Yuki Tsunoda has managed to be even remotely competitive in.

Tsunoda will start at the very back of the pack in Spain with Verstappen in third, George Russell of Mercedes in fourth, Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton in fifth and Kimi Antonelli sixth.