McLaren: Execution and avoiding 'small mistakes' key to midfield battle

McLaren boss Andreas Seidl and rookie Lando Norris agree that only flawless execution and the avoidance of "small mistakes" will keep the papaya squad at the front of F1's fierce midfield battle.

Ahead of next weekend's eighth round of the F1 world championship in France, McLaren currently leads the charge for 'best of the rest' by just two points from Renault.

Norris is well acquainted with Paul Ricard where he raced in the motorsport's junior ranks and the 19-year-old is bracing for more tight action in Southern France.

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"The teams in the midfield are really close and we’ve had some good battles over the last few races," said Norris in his team's French Grand Prix preview

"We know the fight in France will be just as tough and I’ve been doing plenty of work in the factory to prepare for this weekend.

"As a team we just have to keep giving it our all at every single race as small mistakes can cost us."

©McLaren

McLaren team principal Seidl underlined the importance of execution in the team's quest to remain at the front of the midfield pack.

"The midfield battle is proving to be very close and competitive," he said.

"Canada showed that the margin between a good weekend and a not so good weekend is extremely narrow.

"As a team, we continue to focus on our race weekend execution, as well as developing and improving the MCL34 at each race weekend.

"With two-thirds of the season left to go, we still have a lot to play for. We are pushing hard to maximise our performance at every opportunity."

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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.