Lando Norris was optimistic about McLaren’s hopes heading into the British Grand Prix weekend, despite a difficult one in Austria.
McLaren’s 2026 season has had a rocky start, as the papaya team has struggled to find its footing under the new regulations.
Norris had a DNS in China and two DNFs across Monaco and Canada, resulting in three weekends when the team were left scratching their heads about the team’s reliability.
However, in Barcelona and Austria, the team brought upgrades to the Front wing, rear wing and rear corner. This pushed them closer to the leading Mercedes and Ferrari out front.
In Barcelona, the Briton took his second podium of the season, challenging the pack leaders. Austria told a similar tale, although Norris only managed to cross the line seventh.
Despite the shift in results from the podium to the final points positions, Norris admitted he didn’t think the performance had changed much.
“Actually, I don’t think Red Bull Ring was that much worse than Spain.” He told the media, including Motorsport Week, “I think we just had a few other cars in the mix.”
Austria and Barcelona were big upgrade races for the top team, with Ferrari praising an effectively new car in Barcelona and a new engine in Austria, while Red Bull saved their step forward for the home of the Red Bull Ring.
Norris put the emphasis on this rather than McLaren’s own performance.
“We were quicker than the Ferraris on Sunday, slower than the Red Bulls. So it’s just things change around us at the minute. But we’re just simply not where we want to be.”
Home race hopes
Coming to Silverstone brings back positive memories of Norris’ victory at his home circuit on the way to claiming his maiden Formula 1 championship.
However, he seemed more dejected when discussing the team’s prospects in this year’s race.
“I have no idea. I’d just rather wait and see how we’re going to do.” He admitted to the media when asked about his hopes.
“I think we’re probably not coming in quite as optimistic as we were this time last year.
“But we’re still optimistic that we want to aim for all four of them, and we still want to get two cars out there and in the points. And of course, personally, that’s something I’d like to achieve this weekend too.”
With Mercedes’ seemingly unbeatable pace throughout this season unlikely to end soon, Norris will be hoping that the chaos at Silverstone runs in his favour.
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