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Lando Norris recently expressed that McLaren has not consistently had the fastest car over the past few months. While many analysts argue that the MCL38 performs well on all circuits, the young English driver believes he has often found himself at a disadvantage against his rivals. This was extremely evident in Austin, where Norris was forced to trail behind Max Verstappen during the sprint race after a considerable period of time.
Why the Perception of the Fastest Car?
“Many people think that for months we have easily had the fastest car, but that is not the case at all,” Norris explained. “Once again, we’ve found ourselves on a track where our car struggles to perform. Consequently, it becomes clear that we are sometimes the slowest among the top teams.” During the sprint shootout, he was outpaced by George Russell from Mercedes, and in the same race, he faced intense competition from both Ferrari drivers.
Facing the Competition and Challenges
After the sprint race, Norris candidly acknowledged the situation. “Yes, we were somewhat slower than in recent weekends—primarily because the others have stepped up their game,” he stated when speaking to the media. Shortly after, he secured pole position for the main race, partly due to a bit of luck. Had George Russell not crashed his W15 into the wall, there’s a strong possibility that Verstappen would have improved upon Norris’ time.
Focusing on the Race Ahead
As Norris stands 54 points behind Verstappen in the championship standings, he noted, “It is what it is.” The McLaren driver emphasizes that worrying excessively is futile. “That’s just how Formula 1 operates. We’ll need to put in hard work to improve our performance.” This Sunday, all eyes will be on Norris as he must put forth every effort to maintain his position ahead of Verstappen, who qualified second.
The Future of McLaren
Norris’s reflections also shed light on the larger implications for McLaren’s strategy moving forward. The team has faced ups and downs this season, and understanding their performance dynamics is crucial for future success. The driver recognizes the need for continual adaptation: “As we navigate through the season, it’s essential we analyze our weaknesses and make adjustments accordingly to keep climbing the ranks.” The challenge lies not just in competing against other drivers but also in the relentless quest for development within the team.
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