Lando Norris fires US Grand Prix warning to Max Verstappen and...

Lando Norris fires US Grand Prix warning to Max Verstappen and…amid F1…read more

Lando Norris has expressed growing confidence in McLaren’s pace ahead of the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, suggesting that his team could be in a stronger position than during his standout performance in Singapore. In September, Norris finished an impressive 21 seconds ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen, marking one of the most dominant races of his career. Now, the 24-year-old Brit is hopeful that McLaren can replicate similar success on the Circuit of the Americas this weekend.

Reflecting on last year’s performance in Austin, Norris highlighted the team’s progress. “When you look at where we were here last year, relative to the car that we had and compared to where we were in Singapore, I think this was a better weekend for us,” Norris said. “We led the first half of the race – I know some things were mixed up because of different scenarios, but it was a good weekend.”

The McLaren driver emphasized that his team’s recent form over the past few races makes them confident going into any circuit. “There are always questions for us to answer, but with how we performed here last year and how we have performed over the last three, four, five races, I think we are confident everywhere that we should be towards the top.”

Norris currently sits 52 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen with six races remaining. The U.S. Grand Prix will feature the Sprint format, meaning additional points are up for grabs throughout the weekend, potentially offering McLaren a further chance to close the gap to Red Bull.

Despite the excitement surrounding his potential to challenge Verstappen, Norris remains focused on consistency rather than letting the title chase distract him. “People ask every weekend if this is going to be the weekend that changes it. It could go my way, it could go Max’s way, so I keep focused on doing what I am doing.”

Norris added that although he’s not always satisfied with final race results, he is pleased with the progress McLaren has made and the teamwork within the organization. “I have been doing a good job and I am happy with how things have gone. I have not always been happy with the final result, for different reasons, but I am happy with what we are doing as a team and working together.”

With McLaren’s strong momentum and more points available in Austin, Norris is set to continue his pursuit of success in the 2023 Formula 1 season.