McLaren‘s 2023 season has been a testament to the swift changes that can transpire within a matter of months. The team embarked on this season with a sluggish car, languishing at the back of the grid, only to catapult into the spotlight with impressive podium finishes. Lando Norris at the heart of this resurgence, stands as a testament to the team’s determination to rise from the ashes. Despite zero race wins to boast of, Norris remains steadfast in his commitment to McLaren, and his loyalty is grounded in a profound confidence that Zak Brown & Co.’s leadership and performance have instilled in him.
The initial races were marred by disappointing performances, leaving McLaren languishing near the rear of the grid. However, a pivotal turning point occurred when the team introduced a comprehensive upgrade to their MCL60 car, resulting in a profound upswing in performance. This transformation was underscored by Lando Norris’ consecutive P2 finishes at the British and Hungarian GP. Simultaneously, Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri, despite being a rookie, exhibited consistent improvement, nearly securing a podium finish in Britain and attaining an impressive P2 in the Sprint at Spa. These podium positions not only showcased their skills but also underscored McLaren’s return to competitiveness.
🗣️ | Lando Norris: “The team have always given me confidence, that’s why I’m here, that’s why I signed the contract and that’s why I’m with McLaren.” 🧡
[via: @F1]#F1 #Formula1 #McLaren #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/on1GN6kOBD— McLaren F1 News 🏴🇦🇺 (@TheMcLarenZone) August 24, 2023
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For Lando Norris, this resurgence holds a deeper significance than mere points on the board. Despite the lack of wins, Norris’ commitment to McLaren remains unwavering. His words echo a sentiment of faith in the team’s trajectory: “The team have always given me confidence, that’s why I’m here, that’s why I signed the contract and that’s why I’m with McLaren.” This statement encapsulates the essence of his loyalty, which remains unshaken even in the face of struggles. Norris’ connection with McLaren runs deep as he has been with the team for 5 years, it’s an attestation to the culture, leadership, and potential he sees within the team.
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As Lando Norris basked in the thrill of McLaren’s astonishing revival, the team’s prowess in transforming a lackluster car into a contender within a brief span of time became undeniably evident. This resurgence isn’t just about podium finishes; it’s about laying the foundation for a lasting alliance between Norris and McLaren.
Zak Brown’s aspirations to retain Lando Norris
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Amidst McLaren’s renaissance, Zak Brown envisions a scenario where Norris remains a steadfast part of the team’s journey. The races before the summer hiatus have vividly demonstrated McLaren’s prowess in turning an underperforming car into a competitive force in remarkably swift fashion. This, Brown believes, has the potential to resonate with Norris on a deeper level, potentially influencing his commitment to the team for years to come.
Brown is acutely aware of the pivotal role that Norris plays not only as a driver but also as a linchpin in the team’s future endeavors. Norris’ contract, which extends until the end of 2025, signifies a long-term association with McLaren. However, Brown acknowledges that the ultimate desire for Norris is to clinch a world championship, an aspiration deeply intertwined with McLaren’s resurgence. Brown’s words, “He loves McLaren, it’s been his family, so there’s no doubt in my mind is that his number one choice is to win a world championship with McLaren.”
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What do you think is that 0 becoming 1 any time soon for Lando Norris?
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