Lando Norris believes Red Bull and Ferrari are both within striking range of McLaren this year. However, he also emphasises that the factory in Woking still has work ahead to bridge the gap. Much like last year, a vigorous mid-season development plan will be essential to their success.
With three rounds of the F1 2024 season completed, McLaren is comfortably third in the standings. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are fifth and sixth in the drivers’ classification, bringing home consistent points in the MCL38. The team’s first podium of the season came in Australia, courtesy of Norris’ third-place finish.
The Melbourne circuit saw Ferrari claim their first victory since last year’s Singapore GP. Carlos Sainz was one step ahead of the papaya squad, although his teammate Charles Leclerc spent a good portion of his race fighting with Andrea Stella’s duo.
Norris believes the Monegasque was beatable in Melbourne, although he deemed his former teammate as beyond reach.
Lando Norris: We are closer to Red Bull and Ferrari
Speaking from a more macro perspective, the McLaren driver outlined the team’s chances of fighting for race wins this season:
“I mean, it’s clear that this circuit suits us a little bit more. So we’ve been able to push and unlock a little bit of speed.
“But it’s still another step to Ferrari and Red Bull, they’re one or two steps ahead of us still, so we need to catch up. But it’s clear that we’re getting closer, and a day like today proves exactly that.
“So, a big thanks to all in McLaren. We’re getting closer to our target. It’s nice to be back on the podium again and hopefully we can have many more.”
Upgrades will arrive to the MCL38 later this year, with the first substantial parts to be fitted at the Imola GP. As the first European race of the year (and, therefore, the most practical event to bring updates from a logistical perspective), most will do the same.
The MCL38, in its current state, is largely an evolution of last season’s car. In this sense, Andrea Stella’s personnel can be satisfied they have not fallen too far behind Red Bull.
Still, the progress made at Maranello is a reminder that McLaren cannot stand still. If the British squad is to transform podiums into victories, a step forward will be necessary.
