Lando Norris optimistic about McLaren’s ability to fix problems for 2024

McLaren showed great resilience in 2023. After an unconvincing first version, the MCL60 was perfectly optimized to allow the Woking team to catch up. The Oranges were able to achieve a victory in sprint format, through Oscar Piastri, and finished 4th in the constructor’s ranking.

McLaren’s great strength has been the questioning. The engineers were aware of the mistakes and completely modified the single-seater. An attitude that convinced Lando Norris of his team’s long-term progress.

Maneuverability issues

The first notable improvements arrived at Spielberg. Lando Norris was the first to benefit, before in the following race it was Oscar Piastri’s turn. As the season went on, the improvements made continued to progress the MCL60. « For what we have accomplished, to be where we are, and to achieve what we want to accomplish, we must focus on the small details that make a big difference », Lando Norris said at a press conference. « The small details aim to make the driver a little happier rather than just making the car faster. But I prefer a faster car and more delicate to drive than the reverse with a slower but more pleasant handling. »

Despite significant progress, McLaren still has a large margin for improvement. If the race pace was one of the best in the paddock at the end of the season, some handling issues were raised by the drivers. During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, the single-seater notably suffered a cruel lack of top speed. « The aim is to make the car a bit more maneuverable, a bit more balanced, and this is the most difficult task to achieve, because it is so difficult to do without compromise », the Briton analyzed. « It’s really hard to have a good front wheel, but then not to be too strong on exit because the rear needs to be better. It’s a juggling act rather than just adding things everywhere, and it’s very hard to achieve ».

Trust towards 2024

Zack Brown’s protégé appreciates McLaren’s ability to counter weaknesses. Thanks to this mindset, Lando Norris is optimistic for 2024 but also for the long term.

« This year, I have more confidence than ever in the team’s ability to focus on the things we want as drivers and to start improving them », Lando Norris confided to the media. « In recent years, I would not say that I did not have this confidence because we have had problems for four or five years. Now, I would confidently say that we can take the next steps to build a good car, but also to create a car that starts to suit us as drivers. »

In 2023, Lando Norris finished in 6th position.