Lando Norris says it’s “pretty clear” which team is in possession of the fastest car amid the ongoing battle between Alpine and McLaren, asserting it’s the former that has the advantage.
The two are currently locked in a battle for fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, with Alpine leading McLaren by 13 points.
There was a major points swing at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month, when Alpine took home 18 points while McLaren came away with just one.
Fifth in the standings would mark McLaren’s lowest result since 2018, and would see it miss out on important prize money by finishing behind their rivals in Alpine.
When asked in Austin, Texas which team has the fastest car in the battle, Norris replied: “I think it’s pretty clear… but not us.”
While Norris praised Alpine for their performances this year, the Briton hailed the job McLaren has done to keep up with the French manufacturer during the season.
“They’re performing well,” he said. “They’re doing a very good job and it’s as simple as that, honestly. They’re very quick. They have been since race one this year.
“We’re putting up a good fight. I think. We’re doing everything we can. I feel like we are doing a very good job.
“I’m happy with the job we’re doing as a team in terms of strategy and maximising the car’s potential and just doing what I think is best on every weekend.
“So yeah, I’m happy. I think we will continue to do that, we’ll continue to fight. It’s not going to be easy by any means, they are doing a very good job, both drivers are driving well.”
DR has let the MacLaren team down. If he had performed as he surely can, Alpine would be a distant 5th in the F1 Championship. Lando has carried the team on the track.