McLaren need to 'tidy up' mistakes to gain further podium rewards - Lando Norris

Lando Norris after his third place in Monaco — Photo: © LAT Images

Styrian Grand Prix

McLaren need to 'tidy up' mistakes to gain further podium rewards - Norris

Impressive results has led to higher expectations from the British team

Will Gray

Sunday 27 June 2021 13:00

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Lando Norris believes his McLaren team now has the confidence to expect podium finishes but must 'tidy up' its mistakes to land the reward of further podiums.

Norris is currently fourth in the drivers’ championship, 17 points ahead of Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, but mistakes in qualifying in France last Sunday made it hard work for him to climb from eighth on the grid to finish fifth.

Going into today's Styrian Grand Prix, Norris has the prospect of a podium in his sights as he starts third behind polesitter Max Verstappen in his Red Bull and Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton.

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“A lot of the races we have done this season we have extracted everything out of and being honest, we have made some, not many, but we have made some [mistakes] that have cost us a few things here and there through the races," said Norris.

“Paul Ricard on Saturday in quali we made a few mistakes as well, the team, so we have got a bit of tidying up to do if we want to be confident in saying we can continue it 100 per cent.

“But I feel good, I feel confident. Especially coming here, it has been a good track for us so I’m excited but I don’t want to get my expectations too high.”

McLaren team now ‘expecting’ podiums

Norris has achieved two podium finishes so far this season, at the second race of the season in Imola and then in Monaco, and the Briton believes that ‘taste’ is spurring the team on.

“We are pacing ourselves well but they are enjoying it a lot, especially the better results you have, the more the team are going to enjoy it," added Norris.

“It’s just been really good and rewarding to see the progress we have made over the past few seasons. Especially this year, having two podiums and just some very good points throughout the races.

“That just keeps the team motivated and keeps them working harder, not just here, everyone back at the factory as well.

“It’s cool and so much better when we finish fifth or sixth or something because it makes them miss the podium, and if they miss a podium it means there is potential to score it. So hopefully I can keep rewarding them as I have been.”