Lando Norris claims McLaren has made ‘big steps’ and is now a regular in the fight with Mercedes and Red Bull

Lando Norris has been in sensational form during the 2023 F1 season.

Lando Norris claims McLaren has made ‘big steps’ and is now a regular in the fight with Mercedes and Red Bull

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris (Via IMAGO)

The McLaren Formula 1 team has been on an upward trajectory at the pinnacle of motor racing. Their Japanese Grand Prix outing was a testament to the same as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri managed a brilliant P2 and P3 finish. With the Qatar GP just around the corner, the former has claimed that given the improved performances of McLaren, they are now in a regular fight with the front-running teams.

The Zak Brown-led team got off to a horrendous start during the initial few races of the season, but since the British Grand Prix, the upgrades have worked really well on the MCL60. As things stand, they are in a position to snatch fourth place in the Constructors Championship away from Aston Martin. Lando Norris is immensely pleased and feels the only way for the team to head into the future is upward.

YouTube video

While shedding light on where the Woking-based team is in comparison to the top dogs, he told Sky Sports, “I think we are at a point where it’s clear like we have made some big steps and solid steps forward. I don’t think there are going to be any bad races like we had at the beginning of the season. I think we have proven we are a team now, we can fight against Ferrari, Mercedes, at times Red Bull.”

FS Video

He added, “At least one of the cars and that’s where we are, we are fighting to be wanna win, there is no point thinking and, yeah manifesting we are not gonna have a great weekend now, we are not going to be in the same position. I think we have chances to fight maybe not always for a podium, but for the Top 5. Top 6s and get points.”

Discover: WATCH: Lando Norris spotted cruising in the streets of Monaco in a $2,000,000 worth Lamborghini Miura

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been in tremendous form in 2023

While Lando Norris has oozed immense optimism for the remainder of the 2023 F1 season, some of it is down to the fact that he and his rookie teammate, Oscar Piastri, have done a brilliant job behind the wheel of the MCL60 this year. The latter went through a few issues until the midway point of the campaign but since the last few events, he has been at par with Norris.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (Credits: F1)
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (Credits: F1)

Moreover, the Australian could even outperform the Brit during the Japanese GP weekend. Everything has come together nicely at McLaren, and the team is doing well. Only six races remain in the ongoing campaign, and several have tipped Norris and Co. as the favorite to secure fourth place ahead of Aston Martin.

The pinnacle of motor racing is set to return in a few days for the Qatar Grand Prix, and considering how potent the MCL60 has proven to be at different circuits, it is once again going to be one of the cars to watch out for. Norris and Piastri are at the peak of their powers, and their Lusail exploits will surely bring a plethora of smiles to the faces of their fans.

In case you missed it: