McLaren asserts Lando Norris ‘will learn’ how to improve after string of underwhelming races

The Belgian GP was a bit of a disappointing race for Lando Norris after a streak of being on the podium for the last four races. The young Briton finished the race fifth behind Max Verstappen who started his race from 11th position due to a penalty. Norris had lost position on Sunday’s race due to multiple reasons including driving on gravel and hitting one of the kerbs. Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the improvements his driver can make.

Andrea Stella after Lando Norris‘ unfortunate performance at the Belgian GP stated that. Just like in any sport or athlete, Norris would learn and improve from the mistakes he made. He believed that both Norris and McLaren would figure out ways to do things better together. Stella emphasized that the team aimed to enhance their progress and fully capitalize on their efforts to achieve success.

But like any other athlete, or any other driver, I think Lando himself will learn, with the team, what he can do better to make sure we capitalize on the good work we are doing.

Andrea Stella said, as reported by PitDebrief

Andrea Stella mentioned that Norris was in a good position at the beginning of the race that was fourth. However, after losing that position right at the start, it became harder for him to move up to compete. The tires were in good shape but overtaking other cars was tough at the point for him. This made it much more challenging for the team to improve their position during the race. However, Oscar Piastri managed to overtake him including Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc achieving second position. Essentially, losing that early advantage made the rest of the race more difficult for Lando Norris.

I think he was in a good starting position still, but then once we lost the position at the start with this low  and difficult overtaking, we definitely made our life difficult

Andrea Stella stated.

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McLaren claims it focuses equally on Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri

Andrea Stella confirmed that the team won’t leave Lando Norris to improve on his own during summer break. He highlighted that they would continue working closely with him to help him improve. Stella mentioned that just as they work with Piastri the same way they’re going for Norris. The Italian highlighted that their goal is to be better prepared and make the most of their drivers skills and talents.

We work with Lando, like we work with Oscar [Piastri], to see all the opportunities in which we can improve individually but also collaborate better to either be more prepared or to use better our abilities and talents

Andrea Stella stated.

Stella explained that their attitude regarding the race approach would remain unchanged. The situation from the race gave them new things to look at and think about. The team now has more details to analyze how they missed some chances and how those missed opportunities happened. McLaren will use this information to better understand what went wrong and find ways avoiding similar issues in the future.

I think it doesn’t necessarily change our attitude but [it] definitely gives us some elements to analyze as to how some of these missed opportunities manifest themselves.

Andrea Stella added.

Certainly, Andrea Stella expressed his optimism that Lando Norris and McLaren would bounce back after the summer break. They are dedicated to working with Norris to improve his performance and find what went wrong. Fans were satisfied by the race covered by Piastri as he secured second place.

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