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McLaren situation ‘looks better than it is,’ Norris says
Lando Norris insists McLaren is not comfortably quicker than the rest of the field at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as its constructors' title hopes took a boost due to a penalty for Charles Leclerc.
Ferrari had to change the energy store in Leclerc’s car during FP1, triggering a 10-place grid penalty that further reduces its chances of overturning a 21-point deficit to McLaren in the fight for the constructors’ championship. Norris then duly went fastest in FP2 -- the main representative practice session of the weekend -- ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, but downplayed how good the standings made the team look.
“The car’s been feeling good the whole day, so we continued our pace out of Qatar and it feels strong,” Norris said. “I definitely think we have some things to improve on both low and high fuel [loads], probably more so the high fuel.
“It certainly looks better than it is. I don’t think any of the others turned up their engines yet, so it might look glorious for now but I think we’re still going to have a tough fight tomorrow.”
Even so, Norris acknowledged the areas he wants to make progress on are more a case of fine-tuning than major weaknesses that McLaren is facing.
“It’s nothing huge; it’s small things," he said. "It’s trying to find a balance going quicker but saving the tires, especially in the longer-run stuff. Where can you push more and where do you need to save? How can you save the tires more with driving, with the toys I can change on my steering wheel, the underlying balance of the car? Just trying to find the right compromise is the main thing.”
Team principal Andrea Stella says the penalty for Leclerc doesn’t take any pressure off McLaren as it looks to secure a first constructors’ title since 1998.
“Not at all,” Stella said. “I guess you expected this answer! Not at all. We talk about Charles Leclerc. We talk about Ferrari. It's a very strong combination. I think even with the penalty, I wouldn't be surprised if we can see them very rapidly fighting for the front, for the top positions. So nothing changes. We keep remaining calm, focused and full of energy.”
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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