Norris on McLaren's continuous dominance: 'No time to relax'

21:08, 09 May

byGPblog.com

Lando Norris achieved his first career victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. This past weekend, he won once again, making it a perfect moment for Norris to reflect on McLaren's development over the past year.

'A natural evolution'

McLaren has made a huge leap forward. The' papaya-coloured' cars are leading in both the drivers' and constructors' championships. Last year, Norris's victory in Miami was quite surprising, given Red Bull Racing's strong start to the season. How does Norris explain McLaren now consistently setting the pace?

"For the majority, it’s been a natural evolution. The team has still improved a lot, even since last year, in terms of how we work – the car has improved, the obvious things have improved – but the way the team performs has improved quite a good amount, and that has to continue."

Lando Norris in battle with Max Verstappen during the GP of Miami

Remain alert to avoid falling back

A team's dominance can quickly weaken, as seen last year with Red Bull Racing, which fell dramatically during the previous season. This year, Norris is vigilant and wants to keep working hard to prevent the same from happening to McLaren.

Norris said, "That’s the main thing – when you get to the top, there’s no time to relax. And that’s all because of the scrutiny of other people talking and claiming things and coming up with bizarre stuff at times. So it’s more about dealing with the scrutiny. The team has to be even more precise with things, not make mistakes or do any silly little things.

"For the majority, it’s the same guys and girls all doing their job and trying to get the most out of the car. It’s more the external stuff that changes, but that’s out of your control. They’re doing a very good job of dealing with that and carrying on with what they’ve got."

This article was written in its entirety by Hidde Korte.