Mclaren should have been among those groups of teams that are most capable of challenging the top three. Yet, the Bahrain Grand Prix results could not support the aforementioned claim due to their poor car development. The Woking-based squad had a terrible race at the Sakhir Circuit, finishing last. And, given the team’s current situation, Lando Norris was advised to switch teams in the upcoming years. However, by dismissing the McLaren criticism, the British driver has now made his F1 loyalties clear.

Following a problematic testing season, McLaren had a difficult first race in Bahrain, receiving a DNF with Oscar Piastri, and dealing with issues with Norris’s car that persisted throughout the race. Norris, whose engine pressure leak forced him to pit six times during the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, finished last among the 17 cars, while teammate Oscar Piastri retired due to an electrical problem. As a result, the team finished last in the constructor’s standings following the Bahrain GP.

Because of McLaren’s disappointing start, Norris has been connected to teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, and there have been rumors that Red Bull would rekindle their prior interest. However, making his priorities clear, Lando Norris shuts down the Mclaren criticism. As per Formula1.com the young Briton said, “Everyone makes it sound a lot worse than it is. Calling it a crisis? It’s far from that at all, and it’s nothing close to it.”

The Mclaren’s young gun later added that he’s confident in his team’s ability to compete for points on Sunday. He said, “We’re confident we can get some good points, I would say, this weekend. I think it’s a close fight with Alfa [Romeo], and a lot of those teams… towards the top four teams it’s a very big jump. But I’m confident we can be in that fight; I don’t think we’re that far away.”

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The teams will have enough time after the Bahrain Grand Prix to modify their vehicles and operating procedures. The Mclaren rookie, Oscar Piastri, however, was upbeat about Mclaren’s chances of finishing in the points at Jeddah despite a dismal result in the first race.

Lando Norris teammate Oscar Piastri is upbeat about the upcoming Saudi GP

Oscar Piastri, the most highly awaited driver in the elite motorsport, was unable to impress the papaya family. Due to the MCL60’s inability to sustain him, the rookie at the Sakhir experienced an electrical failure. Nevertheless, despite the tragic debut, the prodigy is optimistic and keeps his head held high ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

As per racingnews365, the Australian said, “ Nevertheless despite the tragic debut, the prodigy is optimistic and keeps his head held high. Whilst the result last week was obviously disappointing for my first F1 race, I learned a lot and it’s important we all keep our heads held high.”

He added further, “I know the team are working extremely hard to turn it around from Bahrain and make the best car possible for Lando and myself. We’ll keep pushing forward as a team and I have full confidence that we’ll get to where we want to be.”

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Mclaren hasn’t performed as per the set expectations due to the reliability issue, however, the pace is still there with the team. Having said that, do you think the Jeddah circuit will see a fierce on-track battle among the teams?