Lando Norris says that he is disappointed with the teams form this season but is committed to the long term project.
McLaren look a shadow of the team that was battling for podiums in 2021.
The highlight that year came in Italy when Daniel Ricciardo brought a 1-2 home for the team.
Many expected another step forward in 2022. Instead, the team have fallen back and Ricciardo was ousted from his seat.
He’s made way for compatriot, Oscar Piastri going into this season, but all doesn’t seem well.
“It’s below the expectation of the team as well. And I think that’s known by everyone. I guess it’s a bit of the reason why there’s been quite a few changes.
“The trajectory in 2021 was very good. And the progression through ’22 was pretty reasonable. Even last year, I would say, in terms of a realistic expectation, I was hoping for a little bit more.
“So, I’d say this year and last year are a little bit below where I was hoping the team would be, for many different reasons.” the British told told The Race in an interview.
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A long term commitment
Norris raised a few eyebrows after signing a contract with McLaren till the end of the 2025 season.
Here was a driver who had proven he could compete at the top, committing to a team that hasn’t challenged for trophies in over a decade.
If all goes to plan both driver and team will peak in the next year or two.
The signs aren’t positive though.
Technical director, James Key wouldn’t have been ousted after two grands prix if things were going smoothly.
It could be case of waiting till he 2026 engine rule changes before an upturn in form.
Norris has time on his side – but will he wait?
A bit of it is where do I believe I’ll be best and when do I believe I’ll be at my best.”
“I feel very confident now that if I was in a position to go up against Max [Verstappen] and Lewis [Hamilton], I’m not the kind of guy to ever say I’m confident I will easily be able to go out and beat them, but I believe I’ll be able to battle against them and be a contender against them for a championship.
“But I believe that even more so for ’24. And I believe that even more for ’25.” Norris told The Race.
Possible suitors
Norris is a talented driver and won’t be short of options if he decides to jump ship.
There could be seats opening up at Red Bull and Mercedes in the next few years after all.
Hamilton and Perez are both in the twilight of their career.
Although the Brit has a special connection with the McLaren team.
They gave him his debut and – even though the majority of the grid are U.K based – McLaren are the only British team out of the three.
So where does he see his future?
I want to have faith in the team,” Norris says.
“I try to not let what’s happened this year, or last year, affect what my hopes are for ’24 and ’25. That’s just the wrong way to think. It’s pointless.
“I do have good confidence in how Zak runs a team. And I want to believe more now than ever, with how Andrea is running the team.
“Andrea is doing a very, very good job. It was a bit hard for me to imagine straight away Andrea in this position, just because I’ve known him as a guy who is very hands on with the car aspect of things.
“But he’s given me a lot of confidence since he’s been in the position, with the changes he’s done, how he explains the team, the projection for this year and next year and ’25.”
Norris will give McLaren every chance to turn their form around.
If he could bring a championship home for them it would be their first since the WDC in 2008.
“Having a connection with the team can make a big difference,” Norris says.
Time will tell us whether that partnership has a breaking point.
You can check out the full Lando Norris interview with The Race here.
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