McLaren has "way to go" before competitive challenge

McLaren

McLaren has "way to go" before competitive challenge

The team scored a podium in Imola but struggled in Miami

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 18 May 2022 13:50

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Lando Norris has conceded McLaren still has "a way to go" before being able to fight at the top of F1.

After a difficult start to the new era of the sport hampered by brake issues in Bahrain, the Briton secured a podium at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to confirm the steps forward taken by the team.

But in Miami, the pace dropped back off and despite retiring from the race, Norris' highest projected position was only eighth and behind Mercedes and Alfa Romeo.

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McLaren performed well in the first pre-season test in Barcelona and returning to the track for the Spanish Grand Prix, Norris said: “I’m excited to be heading back to Europe and racing in Barcelona this weekend.

"I like the circuit in Spain as it has some nice features, a mixture of challenges and speeds, and a great crowd.

"I’ve put the retirement in Miami behind me and I’m fully focused on the race ahead."

McLaren working "flat-out" to upgrade car

Since pre-season testing in February, almost every car on the grid has been upgraded as teams search for increased performance with the new generation of F1 car.

Correlation and comparison will be the aim of the practice sessions this weekend and Norris explained: “We got some good running in at the track during February testing so I’m looking forward to adding everything we’ve learned from the season so far to the data we got there previously from the new regulation cars.

"Miami highlighted that we still have a way to go to get back to consistently fighting at the top but it’s important for us to remain optimistic.

"The team are working flat out to bring upgrades to the car as we speak, so hopefully that will give us the boost we need as we head into this doubleheader. "