Norris names the one defeat that strengthened McLaren’s resolve

The 2024 Formula 1 season has been a breakthrough year for Lando Norris and McLaren, but it hasn’t been without its challenges.

Amidst a string of strong performances and the team’s first serious championship contention in years, one race stands out as a moment of bitter disappointment – and transformation: the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

A race that should have delivered glory for the home hero instead ended in frustration, leaving Norris and McLaren to reflect on what went wrong. For Norris, the pivotal event reset the team’s approach and became a catalyst for its renewed focus on the title challenge.

Silverstone – where Norris finished third behind race winner Lewis Hamilton and runner-up Max Verstappen – was more than a missed opportunity; it was a wake-up call for the entire McLaren team.

The frustration of seeing potential victories slip away underscored the need for perfection in every facet of their operation.

“Probably Silverstone being the main one that I think didn’t go our way it should have done,” Norris admitted, reflecting on his battle for the F1 title last month in Austin.

“I think we look back on that with a bit of regret that we didn’t end up in better positions than where we ended up in.

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“I think almost since Silverstone, probably more so, there was quite a renewed focus from everyone,” Norris explained, quoted by Motorsport Week.

“And not just including me, or not just me, but including mechanics, engineers, everyone back in the factory.

“Because it became more and more real, a little bit with time, that we’re back in a position that we’ve worked very, very hard to be in, which is fighting for the championship and fighting for both the Constructors’ and for a Drivers’ Championship.”

The team’s recalibration didn’t come out of nowhere. Norris and McLaren had already sensed early in the season that 2024 could be a landmark year for team papaya.

Norris’ maiden F1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix set the tone for what was possible and triggered an initial shift in mindset.

“I think it switched a long time ago, honestly,” Norris reflected. “I think it switched probably closer towards Miami time. I think that’s how early we kind of realised this could be a year that things can start to go quite well for us.”

But Miami wasn’t enough. Silverstone revealed that potential alone wasn’t sufficient to win races consistently or, more importantly, to secure championships.
“It was obvious by then that more focus, more work needs to be done in every area possible,” Norris said.

The disappointment of falling short at his home Grand Prix provided the fuel McLaren needed to double down on their efforts.

For Norris, the shift in focus brought both excitement and pressure, but he has embraced the challenge.

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“One hundred percent that fighting for a championship brings a lot more focus,” he acknowledged.

“I’m loving it! It’s definitely more enjoyable. It’s always going to be more enjoyable when you’re fighting for wins and you’re fighting for a championship.

“I’m still relaxed. There’s more pressure and a few more nerves, but I’m honestly still very relaxed and pretty chilled about the whole thing,” he shared.

That composure has been a critical asset as McLaren navigates the increasingly complex demands of a championship fight.

At the same time, Norris understands that the journey will only get harder.

“I’m sure it’s going to get pretty more stressful and the later into the season you go, the trickier it gets, for sure,” he admitted.

“But I’m happy. I’m in a comfortable place. I’m focused on myself. And, yeah, I’m enjoying the whole moment.”

Since Austin, Verstappen’s championship lead has swelled to 62 points, with just three races and one sprint event left on the docket. It’s a near unsurmountable gap for the Briton, but he won’t be digging into his bag of excuses to justify his shortfall.

“It’s easy to come up with excuses and reasons for things,” he said. “If I finish second, it’s because Red Bull and Max have done a better job.”

For Norris, the thrill of competing at the front of the Formula 1 grid hasn’t yet fully sunk in. As someone who grew up idolizing drivers like Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Jenson Button, it still feels surreal to now be a peer and rival to some of the sport’s biggest names.

“I think I’m always going to find it odd,” Norris said. “Maybe it takes a few more years to settle in.”

The journey from childhood dream to F1 stardom has been extraordinary, and Norris doesn’t take it for granted.

“But I still feel like it wasn’t that long ago that I was watching it on TV and I was watching Fernando, Lewis, Jenson… all of these guys.

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