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Lando Norris Admits Frustration Over ‘Forced’ McLaren Change
McLaren star Lando Norris has admitted to feeling frustrated over a recent “forced” change within the team, shedding light on the challenges the British outfit has faced in the opening stages of the Formula 1 season.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming Grand Prix weekend, Norris revealed that McLaren was compelled to make an unplanned adjustment to its car development program — a move that has affected the team’s performance and strategy. While he stopped short of blaming anyone directly, Norris made it clear that the change was not part of the team’s original plan.
“It was something we didn’t really want to do,” Norris said. “It was more forced upon us than something we chose. It’s frustrating because we had good momentum, and when you’re forced to react instead of acting proactively, it can throw things off.”
The specific nature of the change remains unclear, but sources within the paddock suggest it may be related to aerodynamic upgrades that had to be delayed or altered due to unforeseen technical complications. Norris’ comments indicate that the decision impacted both his confidence in the car and the team’s overall trajectory.
Despite the setback, Norris praised the team for working tirelessly to adapt and recover lost ground. “The guys back at the factory have done an amazing job to get us back on track, but it’s not ideal. Every race counts, and we’ve lost some valuable time.”
McLaren has made noticeable progress since a difficult 2023 season, with both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri showing flashes of competitiveness. However, the pressure to close the gap to front-runners like Red Bull and Ferrari remains high.
Team Principal Andrea Stella responded to Norris’s remarks, acknowledging the team’s internal challenges. “We’ve had to make tough calls recently, but they were necessary. We’re confident the long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term disruption.”
As McLaren looks ahead to the next rounds, fans will be watching closely to see whether the team can overcome these hurdles — and whether Norris’s growing frustration could play a role in shaping his future with the team.
