Lando Norris believes McLaren is “not miles away” from Red Bull despite finishing 19s behind Max Verstappen in the Japanese Grand Prix.
McLaren profited from Sergio Perez starting down the order and getting caught up in contact to collect the team’s first double podium since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
Norris had been able to overtake his team-mate at the start, but an earlier stop under a Virtual Safety Car enabled Oscar Piastri to get back ahead. The Briton was also hampered by a slowing Perez, which he estimates to have cost him 10s in race trim.
However, Norris was able to reel in Piastri before team orders saw the two switch positions, which they both maintained to the chequered flag to secure second and third.
Reflecting on Sunday at Suzuka, Norris, who notched his fourth second place of the year, said: “Another amazing day for us. P2 and P3, so we couldn’t have asked for any more.
“The team did an amazing job. My start was very good. I almost had Max, but Max is Max as well. I didn’t have a lot of chance in Turn 2, but I tried.
“The pace was extremely strong today, compared to everyone. And I mean, we’re not close to Max, but we’re not miles away either. So it was a very good day. I’m very happy also for Oscar, his first podium in Formula 1. So congrats to him.”
Having begun the year battling to even score minor points, a series of upgrades since Austria has elevated the Woking squad into regular podium-scoring contention.
Asked about the margin to Verstappen and Red Bull, who secured the Constructors’ Championship with victory in Japan, Norris replied: “We’re pushing, we’re getting there.
“The progress we’ve made is pretty outstanding. Like I said, I’m very proud of the team, and the steps forward we’re making every weekend.
“I’m sure there’s gonna be some tough times to come. But we’re getting there step by step. And our first double podium together with Oscar. So yeah, a good moment for us.”
Meanwhile, Piastri was able to convert a maiden front-row appearance into a first-ever podium in Formula 1, becoming the first rookie since 2017 to stand on the rostrum.
“It feels pretty special. Definitely, I will remember for a very, very long time, so I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity,” Piastri added.
“There are not many people in the world that get this opportunity in their whole life. And I’ve managed to have it in my first season. So thank you very much to the team.
“It wasn’t my best race ever. But it was enough to get a trophy at the end. So yeah, super happy.”
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