Just in: Norris admits McLaren future DOUBTS amidst final stages…Read more
Just in: Norris admits McLaren future DOUBTS amidst final stages
Lando Norris, McLaren’s Formula 1 star, has opened up about the doubts he once harbored regarding his future with the team.
Norris, who debuted with McLaren in 2019 after being part of their junior driver program, has witnessed the team evolve significantly.
From being a midfield contender in his rookie year, McLaren has now emerged as a frontrunner, challenging for its first constructors’ championship since 1998.
The journey hasn’t been without setbacks. In 2022, McLaren slipped from third to fourth in the constructors’ standings.
Worse still, the 2023 season began disastrously, with one of the slowest cars on the grid.
At the Bahrain Grand Prix, teammate Oscar Piastri retired early, while Norris finished a disappointing P17, last among the finishers.
Despite this dismal start, McLaren engineered a remarkable turnaround mid-season with game-changing upgrades, steadily clawing their way back to competitiveness.
This resurgence allowed Norris to compete with the likes of Max Verstappen for the drivers’ championship in 2024.
Although an early-season deficit made his title bid unlikely, Norris believes the team’s transformation validates his loyalty.
Over the years, he renewed his contract multiple times, even when McLaren’s performance faltered and critics questioned his commitment.
In an interview with The Race, Norris reflected on his faith in McLaren despite the challenges.
“I’m very happy I stuck with the team I believed in, even when others doubted,” he said. He acknowledged that McLaren’s trajectory wasn’t always upward, describing periods of progress followed by setbacks.
Nonetheless, he emphasized how rewarding it is to see the team now capable of outpacing Red Bull, which dominated the previous season.
Norris admitted there were moments of uncertainty, where he questioned whether staying with McLaren was the best choice for his career. He revealed he had opportunities to move to other teams but is glad he resisted the temptation.
“There were definitely times when I wondered about my future and what the best path was,” he shared. “But to see us now beating Red Bull within a year of their dominant season is an incredible achievement. I’m proud I stayed during the tough times.”
He also highlighted the mutual respect between him and McLaren, noting how both sides value the journey they’ve shared.
“The team understands the journey we’ve been on together, and that makes me the happiest,” Norris remarked.
Although his personal drivers’ championship bid seems out of reach, McLaren remains well-placed for a constructors’ title.
With three races and a sprint event left in the season, the team leads Ferrari by 36 points, while Red Bull is 49 points behind in third.
Maintaining their current form could see McLaren secure the coveted championship, marking a historic turnaround for the Woking-based team.
For Norris, his patience and belief in McLaren appear on the verge of paying off, both personally and for the team he has stood by through thick and thin.
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