Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris reflects on the difficulties of the start of the season and his complicated relationship with the car
Despite currently leading the driver standings, Lando Norris doesn’t seem completely satisfied with the recent race weekends. After the opening victory in Australia, the British driver has seen his teammate Oscar Piastri get closer and closer, with Piastri having already won two races and now just three points behind in the standings.
Lando Norris’ words in the press conference
During the pre-GP press conference, Norris openly discussed the difficulties he’s facing in adapting to the new McLaren MCL39, a car that, according to him, is quite different from last year’s model: “It’s strange to say, but in my seventh season, I’m still learning. This car is very different from the previous ones, and I’m trying to adapt in ways that aren’t entirely natural for me. I can’t drive the way I did last year anymore“.
Analyzing the recent races, McLaren’s number 4 says he’s only partially satisfied: “The recent races haven’t been bad in an absolute sense, but they haven’t lived up to what they could have been. When everything seems to not be working as it should, it’s frustrating I’m giving it my all, but I’m a bit disappointed“.
With increasingly fierce internal competition and a constantly changing standings, the pressure is certainly there. However, the Briton seems to have found a better mental balance compared to the past: ” Maybe I’m experiencing these moments with a bit more clarity. I understand certain things better, and that allows me to lighten the mental load “.
Despite the challenges faced so far, Norris remains focused on the main goal: winning. “I’m not trying to bring myself down or get overly excited. I’m just being honest: I say how I feel, that’s all. It helps me stay focused. I want to win, and I can’t be satisfied if I finish sixth or make mistakes in qualifying “
Photo: F1, McLaren
