Lando Norris claims McLaren has a ‘better all-round package’ than Ferrari despite getting outclassed in Australia 

McLaren had a productive outing around the Albert Park F1 circuit.

Lando Norris claims McLaren has a ‘better all-round package’ than Ferrari despite getting outclassed in Australia 

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz (Via: Imago)

McLaren has had a better start to this season compared to 2023. The team has consistently made solid points through all three races so far. The Australian GP was a good high for the team as Lando Norris pulled off the season’s first podium as he managed a third-place finish, while Oscar Piastri finished a place behind. Norris believes the MCL38 is a slightly better package than Ferrari’s SF-24, even though the two McLarens finished behind the Italian outfit in Melbourne.

Lando Norris is happy to see the team’s progress in comparison to last season, McLaren hardly scored any points in the first half of the competition. However, the team picked up speed in the second half and finished fourth in the 2023 constructors championship. The Brit believes the MCL38 still has many places where it can be improved.

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Norris is well aware of the Woking-based team’s position this season and the overall pace.

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So I would never say yeah, we were the second fastest, and now Ferrari have jumped us or anything like this. I want to believe that we maybe have a slightly better all-round package, but I don't think we've visited some tracks yet where we've seen as many weaknesses, like Zandvoort, for example – not looking forward to it! And a couple of tracks that really show where the car is weak.
Lando Norris via: autosport

McLaren’s key weakness has always been with low speed. During the winter break, the team worked extremely hard to make necessary changes to their MCL38. However, there are still certain aspects that the team needs to work on. The MCL38 lacks in terms of pace in comparison to Ferrari as proved at the Australian Grand Prix.

Lando Norris feels the ‘Ferrari factor’ might hinder McLaren’s podium prospects in Japan

During 2023, the Japanese GP took place in September, however, this year it is set to take place early in April. McLaren had a double podium at Suzuka, as the team finished in second and third place.

Lando Norris
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

However, this year, it might be difficult for them to claim podiums as Ferrari is getting stronger.

The problem is Ferrari has improved their high speed a lot and that's where they were struggling last year. So that's why they've been able to take such a good step forward. I think we can still have a good weekend. We can still look forward to it.
Lando Norris told : racingnews365

The Suzuka circuit has been favorable for McLaren due to the track’s peculiar characteristics. McLaren seems to thrive at the Suzuka circuit, but, Ferrari’s SF-24 will make it difficult for them to get ahead. In the F1 world, everything is uncertain so perhaps by a bit of luck riding on McLaren’s side, the team might be able to pull off a double podium again at the Japanese GP. 

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