Norris reveals 'big change' to McLaren's approach to development

McLaren rookie Lando Norris says the Woking-based outfit has changed its approach to how it will develop its 2019 car.

After two formative years working in McLaren's young driver programme, Norris has been rewarded with a race seat for the upcoming season.

The team's switch from Honda to Renault power last year did not provide the impetus McLaren was looking for, with the outfit's MCL33 chassis suffering from a fundamental aero weakness.

The papaya squad's depressed level of performance led to management changes and to a restructuring of its design department, but just when a turnaround of McLaren's fortunes will occur is anybody's guess.

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"That's a difficult one, no one knows," admits Norris.

"They have decent ideas of things they are working on, bits they are trying to improve, all these little things that you'll say they've had lots of data to say is better.

"Things can always change, sometimes it looks good in the wind tunnel, on the aero mapping or whatever, and you get to the track and it does something slightly different to what you expect.

"Of course they are confident they are making the right changes."

©WRI

According to Norris, increased focus coupled with last year's lessons have encouraged McLaren to change its development processes for 2019.

"There's been quite a big change in the team and how they are approaching things, approaching the work for next year, the development," said the 19-year-old.

"I think they are focusing on making 100 percent sure they know things that are going to be for the good, and not kind of like in 2018 and maybe end up not so good."

Thrown in at the deep end, Norris will undoubtedly have his work cut out in his maiden season of Grand Prix racing.

But the Brit has no inhibitions about joining the big time, and has even set himself a bold - and admittedly unrealistic - target involving his vastly more experienced team mate Carlos Sainz.

"My ideal aim is to beat Carlos at every race, and in every qualifying session," said Norris.

"That is an unrealistic goal to set at the moment but I will do the best job I can and complete as much preparation as I can to be ready for it.

"I would like to beat him, and that is my aim, and my goal."

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