Lando Norris Takes a Veiled Dig on Zak Brown & Co.’s Tall Claims of Fixing Biggest Weakness

The Singapore Grand Prix is almost here. It has brought with it a stirring undercurrent of anticipation and skepticism for the McLaren team. There are claims of an “exciting” upgrade targeting the persistent low-speed cornering woes of the MCL60. While the air is thick with expectation, Lando Norris navigates the press with a balance of hope and circumspection, a reflection of the ambitious targets set by the team management.

Recent discussions with Lando Norris have unveiled McLaren’s ongoing efforts to refine their vehicle, efforts punctuated by considerable transformations since the Austrian Grand Prix. While Norris can look forward to experiencing the full spectrum of these updates firsthand, his teammate Oscar Piastri eyes the Japanese Grand Prix for a complete introduction to the advancements.

“Obviously, we’ve not run it on the track yet, so we don’t want to say too much until we’ve actually got it to work properly, but it’s a good step. The team has worked hard to get it in one of the cars here, and then we’ll have the rest in Japan too. So it is an exciting couple of weekends for us,” Norris told Autosport.

Norris’ quote manifests a prudent yet hopeful stance regarding the imminent updates to McLaren’s vehicle. By holding back full endorsement until the update is properly tested on the track, Lando showcases a responsible and grounded approach to the team’s progress. It may feel like a veiled dig & contradictory to Zak Brown & Co.’s bullish claims of fixing their low-speed weakness, which has been a persistent theme in the McLaren dugout since its Austria overhaul.

Still, the British driver’s reference to the developments as a “good step” infuses optimism and anticipates potential advancements while maintaining a tempered expectation to avoid over-promising. With what is rumored to be the most notable upgrade since the Austrian Grand Prix, central to which is a high-downforce rear wing, the details remain under wraps, fueling speculation.

Read More: “What the Hell Is Going On?”: Zak Brown’s Old Wounds Reopened as Red Bull’s Relentless Pursuit for Norris Continues

As McLaren prepares for the Singapore GP with new tech, the Norris-Piastri duo is fostering a rejuvenated bond. It aims for success on the Singapore tracks by letting bygones be bygones.

McLaren duo Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris bury the hatchet ahead of Singapore GP

The buzz in the McLaren camp also revolves around the driver for another reason, who say they have “cleared the air” after their wheel-banging episode at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza two weeks ago. The controversial touchdown occurred while dueling for the tenth position at the famed Monza’s first chicane.

Norris, who managed to secure an eighth-place finish post the incident, with Piastri ending twelfth due to a subsequent collision with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, reflected on the Monza incident asserting that it was indeed a close call but they “respect each other a lot” and have spoken about it to ensure all is clear now.

A forward-looking Piastri confirmed being in the right frame of mind to rebound from the Monza challenges. “We’re all good and still 100 percent trusting in each other,” he conveyed with an assuredness in his camaraderie with Norris. Speaking to the media, he acknowledged learnings from Monza, confessing that there were aspects “we could have done maybe a bit better,” expressing confidence in a harmonious path forward.

As McLaren emerges from Monza’s chaos, Piastri and Norris exhibit a united front, focusing on teamwork in Singapore. Bearing McLaren’s collective ambition, they foster team spirit, entering the Singapore GP with strengthened bonds and wisdom.

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