Lando Norris says McLaren is in a “reasonable” position despite a difficult Formula 1 pre-season test in Bahrain.
The Woking-based outfit completed the fewest laps of any team across the three days as structural issues with the front wheel brow restricted running.
McLaren also has concerns about performance, with the MCL60 proving to be draggy on the straights and tricky in the corners, putting them near the back of the grid in many people’s pecking order.
“I think we will be going into the first race off of our projected targets and it’s hard to really know where that means we will be on the grid,” CEO Zak Brown conceded.
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This is certainly bad news for Norris, who had hoped McLaren would take another step forward but instead faces another underwhelming start to the season.
“First of all, it’s good to be back in a car,” he said diplomatically after testing.
“Second of all, a big improvement from our test last year, getting so many laps under our belt, so the team have done a good job.
“We know there are a few things we still need to improve on, but we’re in a reasonable place heading into race week.
“We’ve gathered a lot of data, which we’ll be analysing thoroughly ahead of next week.”
Privately, however, frustration could be building as F1 pundit Will Buxton saw Norris hitting a wall in his driver’s room, though later noted it could have been done playfully.
But if McLaren continues to underperform then serious questions about the Briton’s future at the team will be asked.
“I’m still here for a few more years because I want to be,” Lando, who has a contract with McLaren until 2025, told Sky Sports.
“It wasn’t because I knew we were going to be winning championships or anything. I knew that it’s a journey and we have to develop and improve on what we have to get to that point.
“We weighed up every possibility and there’s always a possibility that it takes longer than my contract. But I don’t think that’s a talking point for me at the minute.
“I’m not the most patient guy but at the same time I’m happy with the work and the plans that the team are doing.”
Now is your time, @OscarPiastri. ??
This week, he will race in F1 for the first time at the #BahrainGP. ? pic.twitter.com/rPCnrTmUmp
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) February 27, 2023
McLaren’s troubles also aren’t ideal for teammate Oscar Piastri ahead of his rookie F1 season.
“I didn’t get as many laps in as we would have liked, but nonetheless we still got some good running,” the Aussie commented.
“I’m still learning all the time, which is good. I think we’re in reasonable shape for next week, some more laps would be lovely but that’s always the case.
“It’s been a good few days of working with the team, getting the season underway, thanks to them for their support. I feel like we’re in a pretty good spot and I’m looking forward to getting out for my first race next week.”