Norris admits to ‘lost opportunities’ due to ‘too many mistakes’

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Lando Norris says he’s determined to use Formula 1’s summer break to address the weaknesses and errors that he feels have proven costly in recent races.

Despite a strong start to the season, including a maiden victory in Miami, the McLaren driver has struggled to convert his pace and qualifying performance into consistent race wins.

Norris has started from the front of the grid four times since his Miami Grand Prix triumph but has only managed to finish second on each occasion.

The Briton currently sits second in the drivers' championship, 78 points behind dominant leader Max Verstappen.

Speaking candidly about his performance, Norris admitted that he needs to improve several areas of his driving if he is to challenge his Red Bull rival for the title.

Read also: McLaren to work with Norris to resolve opening lap struggles

“I’ve got to work on myself and work on a few things first,” he told

“I feel like I’ve had the car and I’ve got what I need around me. But I’ve made probably a few too many mistakes – I have made a few too many mistakes over the last month or so. I’ve lost opportunities. So I think I would like to do that.”

One area of particular focus for the 24-year-old is his race starts. Having failed to lead from pole or complete the opening lap at the head of the field on several occasions, the McLaren charger made clear that he must improve his launches off the line and uphold his momentum.

“It’s my starts,” he said. “Just some decision making, here and there.

“It’s small things that have had big, big consequences. A lot of stuff now in Formula 1, a small difference will have a big consequence because it’s so close.”

With the summer break providing a welcome respite from the intense F1 schedule, Norris plans to use the time to analyze his performance and identify areas for improvement.

“But I know that and I know I’ve got to work on my things and keep focussed. So that’s what I’ll use this summer break for – as much as it’s to disconnect, it’s to review a lot of things and make sure I come back stronger.”

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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.