Lando Norris and McLaren learned some crucial lessons in pre-season testing, However, the Woking-based team might struggle to match Max Verstappen and Red Bull this season.
Lando Norris and McLaren made a stellar recovery in the latter half of the 2023 season.
The Woking-based team bounced back from a disastrous start to the year with multiple podium finishes. Expectations on the team were high heading into the 2024 F1 season.
Now, Norris has made a massive confession regarding his team’s prospects against reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
The 24-year-old claimed that McLaren had made progress with the MCL38 after the conclusion of pre-season testing. However, it was difficult for Lando Norris to understand the true position of the team in the pecking order. Nevertheless, the Briton reckoned that Woking was on the right path over the winter for its 2024 challenger.
You just never really know at the end of the day where we stand compared to the others... I think we've definitely taken some steps in the right direction.Lando Norris said as reported by Autosport
However, Lando Norris admitted that the British squad was still miles behind Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Verstappen put in some impressive laps in Bahrain. The three-time world champion even claimed that the RB-20 was behaving exactly how he wanted. Norris highlighted that the Woking-based team will struggle to even match Ferrari in the early stages of the season. Although, the team had learned lessons for the season-opener next weekend.
I think it's still a very long way behind Red Bull and a long way behind Ferrari. So, plenty of work for us to still try and achieve, but also plenty of things that we've learned over the last few days for us to implement before next week.
Lando Norris claims pre-season setbacks not the end of the world for McLaren
Despite the issues faced by Norris in pre-season testing, the 24-year-old claimed that McLaren would overcome these setbacks. The Briton was adamant that it was not the end of the world for the Woking-based team. Although, Lando Norris admitted that ideally, the team would have preferred to have a perfect outing in Bahrain.
Nevertheless, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be looking to fight at the front of the grid this season. The Woking-based team now has its brand new state-of-the-art wind tunnel in action, allowing for more efficient and effective car development. This could have a major impact on McLaren’s position in the pecking order this season.
Certainly, Lando Norris might not fight for race wins against Max Verstappen at least at the start of the season. Rivals are concerned about Verstappen’s pace including Fernando Alonso who claimed that the Dutchman will comfortably win the 2024 title. However, Norris and McLaren would be hoping to capitalize on in-season upgrades to potentially match Milton Keynes.
