Lando Norris, a Formula One driver, feels McLaren will be “favourites for victory next year” after a strong run of results. After some recent strong performances, the British driver has reiterated his faith in the team, but believes the team will only be able to compete at the highest level if they continue to develop their chassis.
Norris has had a turbulent season at McLaren. The Brit only got his maiden podium finish in July, when he came second to reigning World Champion Max Verstappen at the British GP.
Since then, the 23-year-old has maintained some consistency with four more podium results, propelling him to seventh in the season’s standings. With five races remaining and only nine points separating him from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Norris might be on track for his best performance yet – a sixth-place finish in the 2021 season.
Despite their improved form, Norris and his McLaren partner Oscar Piastri remain far behind their rivals, with Red Bull remaining as dominant as ever. However, he believes that if his car improves more, next season would be a different story.
“If we have a strong start to the season in 2024 and continue to develop our car, I think we can occasionally be the favourites for victory next year,” he told RacingNews365 in an interview. “This means that from mid-season or towards the end of next year we will be on some circuits can enter the race as favourites.”
The modifications to Norris’ car have arrived at an opportune time and are definitely bearing fruit, with the British driver gaining 51 points in his past three races.
Despite his confidence in the McLaren team’s abilities, Norris still believes that Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez must be considered as the biggest threat to their success. “However, this is not possible at every circuit, as Red Bull still competes at a different level than all other teams,” he added.
“They are capable to performing well on any circuit, but we are not. We perform exceptionally well on some tracks, such as Silverstone, but struggle on others. We must strive to increase our consistency.
“Look at Mercedes; after Red Bull, they are, in my opinion, the most consistent team in 2023.” They have never been particularly slow, despite appearances. Throughout the season, they are always faster than McLaren. That is why Mercedes remains my second favorite team, but we are currently taking moves to get closer to them.
“In my opinion, we are not yet the second team, but I think we have it in us to become it next year.”
Norris will be back in action this Sunday at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas for the United States Grand Prix.
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