Lando Norris grudgingly admits to being behind ‘Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari’ following Baku Friday outing

Lando Norris faced issues in finding grip with the MCL38 around the streets of Baku on Friday.

Lando Norris grudgingly admits to being behind ‘Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari’ following Baku Friday outing

Lando Norris (via imago)

McLaren driver Lando Norris finished P4 and P17 in the first two practice sessions at Baku. Norris faced issues with the MCL38 in terms of finding pace around corners and struggled for grip around the city circuit.

Lando Norris has been a consistent performer for the Papayas throughout the season. Currently standing second in the drivers’ championship, the British driver has amassed two wins and 10 podiums so far this season.

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Norris was, however, distraught with the Woking-based team after the Friday running of the Azerbaijan GP. He claims that his team is currently behind the likes of Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes with regard to their pace.

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We still have a lot of work to do. On these types of circuits, with less grip, we are not as well organized as elsewhere. At the moment we are behind Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.
Lando Norris said after FP2 at Azerbaijan GP

The 24-year-old desperately needs to secure wins and podiums if he wishes to even remotely stand a chance of winning the driver’s title. McLaren will therefore look to analyze and resolve their issues ahead of an important outing on Saturday.

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Lando Norris eyes winning the championship solely on merit

The 2024 drivers’ championship has boiled down to one of the most exciting battles between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. With 62 points separating the two, the battle between the prolific duo is extremely fierce.

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Lando Norris
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
I don’t want to be given a championship. Yes, it would be nice to have a championship and short term it would feel amazing. I don’t think you would be proud of that in the long run. That is not how I want to win it, I want to win it by fighting Max, beating Max and my competitors, and being the best driver on track.
Lando Norris spoke ahead Azerbaijan GP via theguardian

Lando Norris wishes to beat Max Verstappen to win the driver’s championship with his own accord. The 24-year-old says that amassing a title with exterior help from his team would cause a sour feeling in the long run.

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Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Norris has won only twice despite having one of the fastest cars on track for the better part of the 2024 season. He will now have to commit fewer mistakes while utilizing his full potential in order to bag the title this year.