McLaren Formula 1 driver Lando Norris believes his team is closer to winning a Grand Prix than they have ever been since he joined the sport.
Norris recapitulated on the 2023 season, when the team had a poor start but then massively improved to become the best of the midfield, even battling top teams.
“There were moments we were close to winning races last year and a few races we were not miles away from a Red Bull,” the British driver said.
“And last year, when you think of it, it was the most competitive car ever in Formula 1 and a few races we were extremely, extremely close.
“So with the knowledge of if you want to win one race, we’re the closest we have even been since I’ve been here at McLaren and for many, many years.”
However, Norris was careful with his predictions and said that competing for a championship win is at a different level.
“Fighting for a championship is a bigger step,” he admitted. “If you ask me ‘do you think you can win races this year’, I’d probably be more inclined to say yes.
“But to go straight into ‘can you win races and a championship’, I think that’s another level.”
Contract: extended
It was announced late in January that Norris renewed his contract with McLaren, described as a “multi-year deal.”
“The work Zak, Andrea, and the whole team have put in over the last year has been incredible, and I’m confident in challenging for wins with McLaren. I’m excited to create more amazing memories and continue working hard with everyone at MTC for the next few years,” he had said about the team.
Norris joined the Papaya squad back in 2019 and has never left since. While the start was no easy task and last season had its downsides, it’s clear that the British driver and his team have built a positive dynamic which keeps converting into contract renewals.