“We Didn’t Get It Right”: Lando Norris Looks Back on Trial by Fire After Rampaging Through Unexpected Challenge

Lando Norris has been on quite a journey, in the current F1 season. From struggling to get in the top 5 to being a regular podium sitter. Despite not winning, he has shown his quality in a competitive car. However, after navigating through a challenging Mexican Grand Prix, he looked back at his race and shared his insights.

Having to start all the way back at 17th place, Lando Norris had a long way to go at the Mexican Grand Prix. With the temperature at the track being quite high, he not only had to manage his tires but also worry about brake temperatures. Moreover, with a re-start after a red flag, Norris had to once again nail the start. And boy, he did! He showcased his pure class by finishing the race in 5th position.

Lando Norris Mexican GP heroics, amidst unexpected difficulties

Lando Norris not only carried the weight of the expectations imposed by McLaren on his shoulders. But also became a lead by example for his rookie teammate, Oscar Piastri, who also played his part and was quite a supportive teammate, as he let Norris go through, during the race.

However, the race was not easy in any way. Hot temperature, tire degradation, and a race restart presented quite a challenge for Lando Norris. Having to battle once again with everyone, Norris, unfortunately, had a bad re-start as he ended up losing five places! But thanks to his resilient attitude, determination, and a bit of luck, he made his way through everyone, as he ultimately finished 5th.

After the race, a candid Norris shared about his experience at the Mexican Grand Prix 2023. He stated, “The restart? It is tough. We didn’t get it right. I think we struggled a bit too much with power unit temperature so we couldn’t get heat in the tyres. I didn’t think we’d get back to P5, so it’s encouraging pace.”

As highlighted, the temperature was difficult to handle as due to his power unit overheating; the heat didn’t get through well in the tires. With grip playing a crucial part at the re-start and any sort of overtaking, Norris ultimately had to battle this situation out.

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However, despite expectations, a fifth-place finish has got to be quite a confidence boost for him, and even McLaren. Perhaps this result will play a huge part in Norris earning back the confidence that he might have lost previously.

With a resurgence in confidence, can Norris finally get his first win in F1?

Considering that there are only three races remaining, the answer to this question is quite difficult. With Max Verstappen showing no signs of stopping his domination, Lewis Hamilton showing why he is a legend, and Charles Leclerc with his brilliant qualifying pace, Norris getting his first win is difficult, but not impossible!

At the end of the day, anything can happen, and it’s not like the MCL60 is not a fast car. It’ll be interesting to see whether this season will be it or will Norris unfortunately have to wait for the next season.

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Following a challenging Mexican GP fraught with hurdles, Norris reflected on the fire by trial as he candidly shared his insights. With a potential boost in confidence, it remains to be seen whether he will secure his long-awaited first victory in F1.