Norris embracing greater McLaren responsibility in 2021

Lando Norris says he is enjoying the responsibility that comes with being the most experienced driver within the McLaren team this year.

Despite new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo possessing more experience in Formula 1 as a whole, the Australian is in his first year with McLaren, while Norris is in his third.

Norris has started the new campaign as the strongest of the duo, taking three top five finishes to start the year, including a podium at Imola.

The 21-year-old, who previously partnered Carlos Sainz at the team in 2019 and 2020, believes the increased responsibilities on his shoulders this season has benefitted him.

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“Something that has changed for this year is the role that I have more within the team, more because of the difference between the drivers,” Norris said.

“Me and Carlos were with McLaren for two years, this year Daniel comes in with a lot more experience in different teams and within F1, but I have a lot more experience with McLaren and working within the team.

“I have a bigger role, more responsibility with some things such as the development, the knowledge of the team over the past three, four years, which is something Daniel can’t add.

“So I have had to step up a little bit more and help the team push forward in this area and use my knowledge from there. Daniel has come in from the other angle from knowledge of Red Bull, Renault and many teams in F1.”

Norris, who currently sits third in the Drivers’ standings, added that his new role within the team has boosted his confidence as a racer.

“It’s something I’ve had to step up into which I think has been good for me, taking upon that role of responsibility within the team because it’s improved the effort,” he said.

“I was always putting in the effort but the time spent, the dedication spent with the team to understand a lot more things, going into the details, working a lot more with the team back at base at the MTC and so on.

“It’s hard to say the exact things but more my responsibility within the team has gone up and my confidence as well.

“Just being at the race track, within the car, knowing what I want to achieve every step of the way basically – on and off the track. Those are the main things.”