In the cockpit of his sleek, McLaren MCL60, Lando Norris showcased a mesmerizing display of skill and finesse first at Silverstone and then Hungaroring. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as if he had cracked the enigmatic code that eluded so many others–the code to challenge the Red Bull-Mercedes dominion.
Yet, amidst the thrilling wheel-to-wheel duels, a simmering frustration began to brew within Norris. He felt the burden of the grand legacy that McLaren carried on its shoulders, ever yearning to reclaim its golden era of glory. Despite his bravado, Norris could not deny the unassailable truth–Mercedes, with their formidable machinery and strategic prowess, remained a formidable step ahead of them.
🗣️ | Lando Norris: “We’re not racing with #Mercedes, they’re clearly another step ahead of us still.”
[via: @Planet_F1]#F1 #Formula1 #McLaren #BelgianGP— McLaren F1 News 🏴🇦🇺 (@TheMcLarenZone) August 2, 2023
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In the midst of the battle for supremacy, Lando Norris felt a unique challenge within his own team, yearning for epic battles with Mercedes. Despite McLaren’s recent surge in performance, Norris candidly admits they need another significant step to truly challenge Mercedes’ dominance. Their upgrade package propelled them to the front behind Red Bull, and Norris showcased his talent with uninterrupted podium finishes at the British GP and Hungary, outpacing Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. However, Norris stays realistic, acknowledging that Mercedes still holds the edge in overall speed.
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With determination, Norris and McLaren continue their journey, eager to bridge the gap to the Silver Arrows. But they seemed to fall back with a P7 finish at the Belgian GP. Well, what happened is the question?
Lando Norris’ Candid Account of McLaren’s Belgian GP Struggle
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When things go wrong, honesty becomes crucial, and with Lando Norris, honesty is never a problem! The Belgian GP started off painfully for Norris, as he dropped down the grid while car after car overtook him. McLaren’s decision to fit a high-downforce rear wing, although beneficial in the rain, proved to be a struggle on the drier parts of the circuit.
Talking to the media after the race, Norris didn’t hold back, describing it as a terrible experience, with little room to push due to traffic and constant overtaking. Despite the challenging setup, Norris managed to claw back to an impressive P7 finish, even surprising himself and the team. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella admitted they expected some vulnerability with the high-downforce setup, which eventually proved not to be the right choice.
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Nevertheless, Norris showed his skill by brilliantly managing the soft tires until the end of the race, securing valuable points for the team. Despite the ups and downs, Norris’s honesty and tenacity continue to be valuable assets for McLaren.
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