For Norris, McLaren is “where it should have been” from Bahrain

McLaren is back in business. A month after the good overall result of the Australian Grand Prix (12 points), the rest of the season has become clearer for the British team. It should be remembered that the 2023 campaign got off to a very bad start for the English team: no points in the first two races, an admitted delay in the development of the MCL60 and a gloomy atmosphere.

In Baku, scene of the fourth round of the championship, the objectives were revised upwards and morale was regained. First concerned: Lando Norris. The Briton has long railed against the disappointing performances of his car and his team. After his 6th place obtained in Melbourne, the young 23-year-old driver begins the Azeri weekend with more optimism.

« I don't want to get ahead of myself, but I think Australia was a better weekend for us, things were easier for us, underlined Norris at a press conference. We were unlucky which made things more difficult than they were in the first few races. »

The McLaren has “a better basis” according to Norris

The numerous developments made by McLaren in Baku are an additional reason to believe in another good result, according to the English driver, with a base that suits him more. “What we have now is where we wanted to start the year. (…) What we have this weekend is just the basis we should have started the year with, and it's about understanding what we have now. It's a better base. There are more possibilities for opportunities and improvements with what we have. (…) So yes, I’m enthusiastic,” said Lando Norris.

Objective for McLaren: " catch up " and look up rather than down. If the British team is currently 5th in the manufacturer rankings thanks to its good Australian harvest, the pure performance of the MCL60 is still behind its main rivals which are Alpine et Haas. 

ALSO READ > Verstappen and the prospect of leaving in 2028 is very serious