“We’ll be a midfield team,” Lando Norris sets realistic expectations for 2023

McLaren recently launched the 2023 car from their McLaren Technology Centre based in the UK. This season marks 60 years since Bruce McLaren founded the team, so they named their car MCL60. The team has a young driver line-up, Lando Norris and his new teammate Oscar Piastri. While this is Piastri’s first Formula One seat, Norris already has the star boy status in the team. 

Lando Norris spoke to GPblog about his plans in McLaren. Last season the Briton was the only driver from another team apart from Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes to have a podium finish. His 2021 season was also excellent. He proved himself worthy of his seat so much so the team offered him a contract extension till the end of 2025.

During a press conference, Norris spoke about his long-term commitment to McLaren. “I signed such a long contract because I believe those later years is when I’m going to be able to achieve things, which is 2024 and 2025. If I signed a short contract, that’s like I have faith or I think the team should suddenly win this year or last year which is not the reality at all. I signed a long contract because I’m happy where I am, I see where the team are going.”

Related: “Special,” Charles Leclerc gives first impressions on driving 2023 Ferrari SF-23

Lando Norris wants to be the leading midfield team in 2023

He continued, “You never know and there’s always an odd race when you can have the chance. This year we need to give ourselves a solid position to go into next year, hopefully, be the leading midfield team and be the pioneers of leading the way to close the gap to the top three teams. That can hopefully be done over 24-25.”

Norris is rational about the team’s performance this year. He does not mind being in the midfield as long as they are leading the pack and manage to get on the podium every now and then. He hopes the team will provide him with a package strong enough to battle with the front runners from 2024.  

The Briton believes that certain things don’t allow them to perform well at the moment, but once they resolve it there is no excuse left. He wants to give the team the benefit of the doubt. Norris wants to be logical about this scenario. It is almost as if he has given his team a deadline to show their strength and capability. All this being said, the McLaren driver does not have much hope for the 2023 season as it stands. 

In case you missed it:

Mercedes F1 admin sabotages Ferrari’s 2023 F1 car launch in a hilarious way

Alpine’s livery leaked ahead of their car launch

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW