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Lando Norris is utilizing a new floor upgrade during the Mexican Grand Prix weekend, as McLaren aims to continue developing their car in the closing stages of the season. However, this latest modification has yet to yield significant results. Following a lackluster performance in the second free practice session, Norris expressed disappointment as he fell short against his teammate, Oscar Piastri, despite using the upgraded MCL38.
Challenges Faced in Practice Sessions
In the first practice session, Lando Norris took a backseat as IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward filled in to meet rookie requirements. It was in the second practice that Norris had the opportunity to assess whether the new floor upgrade could provide him with a competitive edge. Ultimately, the British driver finished fifth in the session, which he described as “not great.”
Norris Expresses Concerns Over Performance
“It’s beneficial that we can compare the cars to some extent, but so far, it doesn’t feel significantly better,” Norris remarked about the new floor following the session. Oscar Piastri, who competed with the previous configuration, managed to clock in nearly a tenth of a second faster, securing second place. “Oscar was exceptionally quick today,” Norris acknowledged. “I just felt a bit off, and there’s still work to be done on my side. We’ll see how things unfold during the race.”
Crucial Race Ahead Amid Title Contention
With a considerable deficit of fifty-seven points behind championship leader Max Verstappen, the Mexican Grand Prix is vital for Norris. The 24-year-old racer must close the gap on his Dutch rival if he aims to stay in contention for the championship title. Nonetheless, he has expressed his reservations about the upcoming race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. “It hasn’t been great,” lamented Norris. “I just don’t feel confident, especially considering the lack of grip on this track.”
Evaluating the Impact of the Floor Upgrade
The performance of Norris and the effectiveness of the new floor upgrade will be under intense scrutiny as the race weekend unfolds. While McLaren is on a continuous quest to innovate and enhance their performance, the driver’s initial impressions suggest that more fine-tuning may be necessary to translate those upgrades into race-day speed. As teams strategize for optimal setups and tire choices, the pressing question remains: will the upgrades bring the competitive edge that McLaren desperately seeks?
In the competitive world of Formula 1, where every fraction of a second counts, the upcoming race will be crucial not just for point accumulation, but also for restoring confidence. Both Lando Norris and McLaren will need to recalibrate their strategies and maximize the potential of the new upgrades to overcome current performance barriers and secure a strong finish in Mexico.
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