“A single driver” prevents Lando Norris from achieving his first victory in F1
McLaren has made a spectacular comeback in the standings in 2023. With only two races left in the season, Lando Norris declared that only Max Verstappen stood between him and his first Formula 1 victory.
Lando Norris continues to chase his first victory in Formula 1. The McLaren driver has been seeking this success since 2019. This season, the 24-year-old Brit came very close to securing his maiden win, thanks to the rapid improvement of his car. While the MCL60 was at the bottom of the standings at the beginning of the season, the improvements made since the summer have allowed the British team to rise to the top positions towards the end of the season.
Lando Norris hoped to step on the top of the podium in Austin and then in Brazil. However, at Interlagos, the Red Bull showed its superiority. On the Circuit of the Americas, Lewis Hamilton deprived him of a second place while McLaren led the race for several laps.
Verstappen still in the lead
This season, Lando Norris achieved seven podiums, including six second places. The progress is significant, but not sufficient. The only victory of the season, excluding Red Bull, was won by Carlos Sainz in Singapore. The Englishman had finished behind his former teammate. The other five second places were obtained behind Max Verstappen. Lando Norris then stated that there is only one guy and one team standing between him and a first victory in F1.
“We took our chances, I don’t think anyone can blame us for what we tried,” explained the McLaren driver. “We’ve been very close in recent weekends. I’ve had a lot of second places this year. I’m very proud of the whole team. So, we just need to keep pushing and aim for a world championship title. It will come.”
Two last chances in 2023
At the end of this season, McLaren and Lando Norris have two races remaining to achieve their first success of the year (excluding sprint races, as Oscar Piastri had triumphed in Qatar in that format). While the last race, taking place in Abu Dhabi, seems like a “mission impossible” for the Woking team, Las Vegas could smile upon them. The conditions are expected to be unpredictable, with frigid temperatures anticipated.
The brand new surface of the Nevada track is expected to increase the risks of sliding. It is possible that the safety car (or even red flags) might be used. Additionally, cars with more downforce, such as the MCL60, could have a slight advantage by risking fewer slides.
This first edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be open and unpredictable.
