Lando Norris claims Ferrari was on whole ‘another level’ after disappointing P5 finish at Suzuka

McLaren managed to score 14 points at the Japanese GP.

Lando Norris claims Ferrari was on whole ‘another level’ after disappointing P5 finish at Suzuka

Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz (Via: Imago)

Ferrari’s pace has been good since the start of the 2024 season. Lando Norris had a tough time maintaining his place at P3 and eventually dropped down to fifth place at the Japanese GP. According to the British Driver, Ferrari’s pace was on another level and it was difficult for him to keep up. 

Usually, McLaren has an advantage on circuits like Suzuka due to its characteristics. The track suited the pace of their MCL38, but due to a plethora of reasons, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri were seen struggling to keep up their pace.

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McLaren had a pretty average outing during the 53-lap Japanese Grand Prix.

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I think it was a good day, doesn’t look nice starting third finishing fifth, shouldn’t be happy with it, but we didn’t have any more pace today. Clearly the Ferraris were another level to us, did what we could but it wasn’t enough.
Lando Norris said: Formula1

The Brit admitted that he had a tough time during the race and driving the car felt tricky. The hot weather conditions cost the team a lot at the start and also during the middle part of the race. When the weather cooled down, the car gained pace, however, that wasn’t enough for the results the team had expected. 

Lando Norris believes McLaren is fighting a losing battle 

After having disappointing results in Suzuka, Lando Norris believes that his team is struggling to keep up with Ferrari and Red Bull. From being the fastest non-Red Bull driver at Japan qualifying to dropping down to P5 at the end of the race, he is utterly disappointed.

Lando Norris
Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

McLaren was only able to amass 14 points from the Suzuka event. 

It's a shame. It doesn't feel great when you start third and go backwards. It feels like you are fighting a losing battle against these guys because they can just do a lot more. They can go longer and extend and have a bigger tyre delta. It's hard to fight.
Lando Norris via: Sky Spots F1

Looking at the reaction of the Brit, it is quite clear that he is extremely frustrated with how things panned out at the Japanese GP. After four rounds, McLaren is in third place in the Constructors Championship but the way things have been going, it seems quite difficult for the papaya team to be able to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari at the Chinese GP.

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