Lando Norris defends McLaren
While McLaren showed some flaws during the winter tests, Lando Norris assures that the situation is not so terrible. He acknowledges that the current level of the car is not what was expected, but he remains hopeful for the rest of the season.
McLaren disappointed and worried during the pre-season tests. The MCL60 showed reliability issues, forcing Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to sometimes make long stops in the garage. As a result, both drivers are among those who have covered the fewest kilometers.
Frustrated but confident.
Andrea Stella, the new team boss, also stated that the aerodynamic development of the car was not good enough and that the team would need time. However, Norris was keen to defend his team. He said he was frustrated but confident for the future.
Maybe we haven’t explored as many paths as we should have, and once we were on the right path, it was just a little too late. It’s as simple as that. So I suppose we’re in a race against other teams and we’re optimistic and we want to fight to become a top team again. It’s just frustrating that we found it just a little too late, but that’s all it is.
“It happens, all teams do it sometimes, but it’s something that we can hope for in the future,” he declared to Sky Sports’ microphone.
If there is still a lot of work to be done, the young British driver affirms that the situation is not so catastrophic.
I don’t think we are in a terrible situation right now. We may not be as strong as we would like, but we are not as bad as some people imagine either. I don’t want to speak too soon because at the same time, we are waiting to see how we will do, but we have good things in the pipeline, so I am looking forward to seeing all of that.
« It’s a plan. We also have to execute them and make sure they work properly and so on, but it’s a long season, so I’m looking forward to this last part at the same time, » he added.
Indeed, the team is eagerly awaiting its new wind tunnel which should be ready around mid-season.
Objective top 10 for Bahrain
However, despite the difficulties the car is currently facing, Lando Norris is aiming for a top ten finish in this first Grand Prix of the season.
I guess we’re not here with the best teams, we’re here to fight for a few points, with a little luck, so that’s our goal for this weekend.
I can’t wait to resume the race, it’s the most important thing. It’s always good to get back in the car for practice, but the real excitement comes this weekend with the qualifying and the race.
