F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Norris adamant McLaren is finally 'on the way up'

After four years of under-performance, McLaren is back in an uptrend insisted Lando Norris after the rookie's impressive Bahrain Grand Prix weekend.

McLaren enjoyed a productive weekend at Sakhir, with both Norris and team mate Carlos Sainz reaching Q3 on Saturday, a double treat last achieved by the Woking-based outfit in 2017, precisely in Bahrain.

That accomplishment, coupled with Norris' superb effort on Sunday and his subsequent sixth-place finish, has boosted the 19-year-old's outlook.

"It's definitely on the way up," Norris told Sky F1.

"The steps we've taken from last year, to be two out of two times in Q3, to have opportunities to get into the points and a P6 - we do have a better trend than we did last year.

"We just had better pace than we thought we were going to have. We had a strong qualy but our pace in the first stint was very good, and after that it was still good.

"We had good pace and I enjoyed it a lot."

Even on a relative basis, Norris was impressed with the performance level of his Renault-powered MCL34.

"We knew we could get points and we've managed to beat a Red Bull now on pure pace," he added.

"Even compared to Vettel when he passed me, he didn't pull away that much. I hope we can be in these positions later on in the season."

©McLaren

McLaren's transition from Honda to Renault last year was anything but smooth, with changes undermined by the poor design of its MCL33.

But a restructuring of its engineering department and a management overhaul have gone a long way towards improving the team's internals.

"We've tried to make the car more simple this year," Norris explained.

"In some ways we've taken a couple of steps back to then try and move forward and we've given ourselves a better platform to start from, and that's because of all the hard work of the guys back in the factory.

"We're taking steps in the right direction but it's only round two. It's a good start to the season so if we can keep taking steps forward, maybe at the end of the year we can celebrate."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Aston Martin says performance shortfall led to Fallows exit

Aston Martin performance director Tom McCullough has shed some light on why the team’s former…

7 hours ago

FIA clamps down on plank loophole after Red Bull complaint

The FIA has issued a pivotal Technical Directive to F1 teams ahead of this weekend’s…

9 hours ago

F1 drivers blindsided by race director Wittich’s sudden exit

The abrupt removal last week of FIA race director Niels Wittich with just three races…

10 hours ago

McLaren relaxes ‘papaya rules’: Norris and Piastri free to race

Oscar Piastri has confirmed that McLaren’s team orders—dubbed the "Papaya Rules"—have been largely relaxed, giving…

11 hours ago

Cheers to the forever young pure racer Jacques Laffite

The forever young Jacques Laffite turns 81 today, but the years haven't aged this pure…

13 hours ago

Las Vegas GP: Wednesday's build-up in pictures

The neon lights of Las Vegas are set to illuminate the Formula 1 world once…

13 hours ago