Norris: McLaren ‘looking better than it is’, expecting tough fight

©McLaren

Lando Norris tempered expectations after McLaren's commanding performance on the opening day of running at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, suggesting that team papaya's rivals may not have shown their full potential yet.

McLaren's pace in FP2, the only session run under conditions similar to qualifying and the race, was eye-catching. Norris ended the session 0.234s ahead of his teammate Oscar Piastri and four-tenths ahead of the rest of the field, with Nico Hulkenberg's Haas unexpectedly in third place.

Despite this, Norris struck a cautious tone, pointing out that other teams may have been holding back.

“It was a good day,” acknowledged the Briton. “Car has been feeling good the whole day, continued our pace out of Qatar.

“Feels strong and we have some things to improve on in both low and high fuel, probably more so the high fuel.

“Certainly probably looks better than it is; I don't think the others turned up their engines yet. So it might look glorious for now, but I think we've still got a tough fight tomorrow.”

Abu Dhabi GP Free Practice 2 - Results

McLaren heads into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend with high stakes, aiming to secure F1's Constructors' title for the first time since 1998. The team currently holds a 21-point lead over Ferrari, and maintaining this margin would cap off an impressive season of recovery and growth.

For Norris, Friday's performance provides a solid foundation, but he is keenly aware that the real fight begins with qualifying. He emphasized the need for small but meaningful improvements overnight to stay ahead when their rivals inevitably reveal more pace.

“Nothing huge. It's small things,” Norris explained when asked about the adjustments McLaren needs to make.

“It's trying to find the balance of going quicker but saving the tires, especially in the longer run stuff.

“Where can you push more and where do you need to save? How can you save the tires more with driving, with things I can change on my steering wheel and the underlying balance of the car?

“So trying to find the right compromise is the main thing.”

McLaren's performance trajectory has been one of the standout stories of the 2023 season. After a challenging start, the team's upgrades throughout the year have brought them into contention with Ferrari and even Mercedes on occasion.

Yas Marina, a circuit that combines long straights with a mix of slow and medium-speed corners, seems to suit the characteristics of the MCL60.

Still, Norris remains cautious, understanding that qualifying and the race will likely present a closer battle than the practice times suggest. With Ferrari expected to unleash more performance on Saturday, McLaren must maximize every opportunity to maintain its upper hand.

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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.