Lando Norris expresses belief that McLaren can achieve the fastest F1 car despite challenging beginning.
Lando Norris maintains his belief that McLaren can achieve the top car in Formula 1 this season, despite a sluggish beginning.
The current champions have accumulated only 18 points from the initial two races, as both drivers were unable to start in the last event in China, and Oscar Piastri encountered a crash en route to the grid during the opening race in Australia.
In terms of raw performance, McLaren seems to possess the third fastest car, trailing behind Ferrari and Mercedes, yet Norris is confident that the team can reclaim its position at the front of the grid.
“As a team, we are confident and believe in our capabilities. We have secured the last two championships and won the drivers’ title last year because we were able to construct the best car on the grid, and I am assured we can return to that level this year,” he stated.
“It simply requires time. Patience is essential. However, I have strong faith in the team, and I believe we can have the best car this year.” Norris referenced the 2024 season when McLaren had a slow start but managed to overcome a 115-point deficit after the sixth round to ultimately win the constructors’ championship by the season’s conclusion.
“I can’t recall the exact points we trailed behind Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari in 2024, but we still succeeded in coming back to win the Constructors’,” he remarked. “I am uncertain how far behind we are now; it is already quite significant, but I think we are not overly focused on that at this moment.
“Our primary focus is on reaching the podium first and then returning to winning races. The points will take care of themselves, and we will see what we can recover. But we are confident in that.”
– Japanese Grand Prix: Oscar Piastri sets pace in second practice as McLaren hits back at Mercedes
– Max Verstappen: Red Bull has ‘big problems’ with car; no ‘easy fix’
– How to watch Japanese GP, race start time, full F1 schedule, predictions
Currently, McLaren is 80 points behind the Mercedes factory team, which utilizes the same power unit, but team principal Andrea Stella expresses confidence in the significant potential that can be harnessed in the upcoming races.
“The MCL40 is a platform with very high potential,” he stated. “At present, when we compare our car to Ferrari and Mercedes, we experience a slight deficit in grip. Consequently, Ferrari and Mercedes are quicker than us in the corners.
“In comparison to Mercedes GP, we believe we are somewhat underutilizing the power unit. It performed better in China than in Australia, and we are on a steep learning curve regarding maximizing the power unit’s capabilities, which is encouraging. We are collaborating effectively with HPP to ensure we fully exploit all the potential available in the power unit.
“Returning to the chassis aspect, we have a clear understanding of the necessary actions to further enhance the chassis. Essentially, it is about implementing upgrades that will boost aerodynamic efficiency.
“These upgrades will be introduced in the next few events, so I anticipate a positive trajectory from there, and we are confident that McLaren will be positioned to compete for podiums and victories on merit throughout this season.”
Source: espn.com
