Lando Norris has spoken about the challenges he faced with McLaren`s car during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, feeling that he is not currently performing at his best.
Despite starting sixth and finishing third in Sunday’s race, Norris believes his performance was below his potential. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, finished ahead, increasing the pressure within the team.
After qualifying mistakes put him behind Piastri, Norris confessed that his race ambition was to finish second, highlighting his disappointment with third place.
Several incidents during the 57-lap race hampered his pursuit of second place.
Norris received a five-second penalty for incorrectly positioning his car at the race start and encountered difficulties overtaking competitors.
He had to overtake Lewis Hamilton twice following a Safety Car period, with the first attempt being off-track. He also spent several laps trying to pass Charles Leclerc.
Eventually reaching third, Norris was unable to overtake George Russell`s Mercedes in the closing stages of the race.
`I made mistakes that I shouldn`t have,` Norris admitted. `Otherwise, I think our pace was quite good.`
`It was a tough race. Whether I could have overtaken George with one more lap is irrelevant, I didn`t. The positive is points, but negatively, we didn`t achieve our potential.`
`I`m nowhere near the capability that I have`
Norris entered the season as a title contender according to bookmakers and experts, especially after winning the Australian Grand Prix.
However, in the subsequent races, Piastri won two and Max Verstappen won one, exposing Norris`s struggle to maximize the McLaren MCL39 car`s performance.
`I`m honestly surprised I`m achieving anything right now, considering how I feel in the car,` Norris stated.
`I`m uncomfortable and not happy with the car. The fact I`m still getting decent results is surprising to me.`
`Something isn`t clicking, and I can`t pinpoint what.`
In the post-race press conference, Norris elaborated, `I can`t replicate my lap times from last season. Back then, I understood every corner and the car`s behavior. I felt in control.`
`This year feels completely opposite. Even in Australia, despite winning, I lacked confidence.`
`The car is exceptional, which is helping me overcome many issues currently. But I`m performing far below my actual capability, which is frustrating to admit.`
Norris `not doubting myself` despite self-criticism
Known for his self-criticism, Norris publicly criticized himself after Saturday’s qualifying for not matching Piastri`s pace.
In interviews, he described himself as `clueless` and `not quick enough,` feeling like he had `never driven a Formula 1 car before`.
However, Norris clarified that while he is seeking solutions for his car struggles, he remains confident in his driving ability.
`I spent considerable time last night reviewing everything to understand my struggles,` he said.
`I`m trying to identify the changes from last year. Is it me or the car? It`s complex.`
`But I`m not questioning my ability, even if it seems that way. Something isn`t gelling, making me uncomfortable in the car.`
`I`m confident in my capabilities. However, lacking car confidence affects my ability to find the limit, especially in corners. This hinders my speed, particularly when competing against the best. Being unsettled becomes a significant issue, which is currently happening.`
He added, `I don`t have immediate answers, and we have much work to do. But I remain confident in my ability to perform well.`
`Considering my current feeling, achieving a win and a second place is surprising. We need to work hard, and I`ll focus on that for now.`
Stella praises Norris` `relatively unique` approach
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella shared his perspective on Norris`s handling of his current car discomfort.
Stella, experienced with champions like Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Raikkonen, and Jenson Button, noted, `It`s an uncomfortable situation, but Lando`s approach is similar to other champions I`ve worked with.`
`Lando is quite unique in his openness, as seen in his self-critical post-qualifying interviews. Some other champions might deflect blame.`
`I admire Lando for taking responsibility. It’s a privilege for me as team principal. He tends to blame himself.`
`Like in Q3 on Saturday, he took full responsibility for not delivering the lap, even though we know car changes have made things harder for him.`
`We understand the technical issues, and Lando is adapting. It might be slightly favoring Oscar, and we`re working to resolve it.`
`Some drivers immediately blame the team when issues arise, which is unhealthy and unproductive. Judging a driver should also consider these aspects. For me, as a team principal, these qualities are crucial for team building and avoiding internal conflicts.`
`Even with potential, internal conflicts can waste energy on fighting instead of performance.`
