Following McLaren’s recent surge in performance, Lando Norris remains vigilant about potential challenges at the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
While the upgraded McLaren MCL60 showcased its strength on high-speed tracks with Norris finishing second at Silverstone and the high-downforce Hungaroring, he expresses concern that certain corners at Spa-Francorchamps could expose the car’s weaknesses.
Norris’ back-to-back second-place finishes have demonstrated the team’s progress and the competitiveness of the MCL60.
Silverstone and the Hungaroring highlighted the car’s capabilities, but the British driver is aware that Spa-Francorchamps presents a unique set of challenges.
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“I think it’s still clear that we’ve got some weaknesses and those weaknesses are going to show in certain places,” Norris said.
“Even in Spa, we’re going to struggle in certain places even more, like turn one. I’m already scared of turn one in Spa.”
Spa-Francorchamps is renowned for its high-speed nature and demanding corners, which can push both drivers and cars to their limits.
While the track may suit the McLaren’s strengths in certain sections, Norris believes specific corners will test the car’s performance and potentially hinder their overall pace.
Even with concerns at the team over their ability to reel in Red Bull, Norris has restated himself as a standout driver this season.
With back-to-back podium finishes, Norris has been a key part of McLaren’s rapid rise up the rankings, overtaking Alpine in the Constructors’ Standings.
As Norris prepares to tackle the challenges of Spa-Francorchamps, he remains optimistic about the team’s potential but recognises the importance of addressing the weaknesses in their car.
Even with Red Bull still far ahead of their rivals, McLaren is firmly focused at its factory on improving the MCL60 to extract the best performance possible this season.
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Oscar Piastri hasn’t raced at Spa since the 2020 season, where he placed 5th in the feature race and 6th in the sprint, showing he can fight for a points finish.
Norris, on the other hand, will be looking for redemption at Spa, having never taken points at the Belgium Grand Prix in his Formula 1 career.
As a British-Belgium, it would undoubtedly be a special season for Norris if he could secure a podium in both his home races of Silverstone and Spa.