Lando Norris believes McLaren’s performance at the Chinese Grand Prix provided “more evidence” that he can claim his maiden Formula 1 victory during the 2024 season.
The Brit finished second to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in Shanghai, exceeding the low expectations he had for McLaren’s long-run pace going into the race. Verstappen, who leads the world championship as he seeks a fourth successive drivers’ title, has won 21 of F1’s last 23 races, making it very difficult for the rest of the grid to claim victories.
“I have already said it, I don’t need any more confidence. There’s more evidence [from China],” Norris told Sky Sports F1.
“I said it at the beginning of the year that I think we can fight against Red Bull and we’ll be able to get a win this year.
“It’s not going to come easy. I don’t think it will come for a while, but right day, right time, good conditions, things which suit our car a little bit more – 100 per cent I have the faith in the team and I have the faith in my ability to be able to pull it off.
“But it does need to be right place, right time. I don’t think on average we’re close enough for the time being. But I want to believe.”
In earning the 15th podium of his career in China, Norris extended his record as the F1 driver to have had the most top-three finishes without claiming a victory, having surpassed Nick Heidfeld’s 13 when coming third in Australia last month.
Norris’ hopes are set to be boosted by the arrival of McLaren’s first significant upgrade package at the Miami Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports from May 3-5.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella admitted before the start of the season that the Woking squad were behind where they wanted to be with the development of the MCL38, but confirmed in China that the upgrades will “finally” arrive in Florida.
“These upgrades will also include some attempts to improve tyre degradation, so we will try and see if we can take a step forward,” Stella said.
“Considering the amount of improvement we should do to get closer to some of our competitors, I would say that we need more than one round of upgrades in terms of helping the behaviour of the tyres.
“But for everything, this is kind of constant development. You never assume that that’s good enough when it comes to keeping the tyres in the right operating window.”
Given Stella’s pre-season warning, the fact McLaren have been relatively competitive to this point is a promising sign.
