McLaren’s intention of capturing the Constructors’ Championship has remained firm, even following Lando Norris’s setback at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Despite Norris starting on pole position and his rival, Max Verstappen, beginning at 17th on the grid, a combination of challenges led to a sixth-place finish for the Briton.
Norris’s Lost Opportunity
The race at Interlagos offered Norris a prime chance to close the points gap with Verstappen. However, wet conditions, a few driving errors, brake lock-up issues, and an untimely red flag hindered his progress. The result has left Norris trailing Verstappen by 62 points with only three races to go.
McLaren’s Championship Focus
Despite the personal disappointment for Norris, McLaren has reiterated that their predominant focus is the Constructors’ Championship. Team principal Andrea Stella mentioned that the team only ever prioritised the constructors’ battle, aligning their strategies and decisions even when supporting one driver might have been considered.
Stella said in a conversation with Autosport that the Brazilian GP result does not alter their approach to the remaining races. “Our ultimate priority has always been the constructors’ championship,” he asserted.
Pressure and Performance
Stella dismissed the notion that the pressure of a potential title battle impacted Norris’s performance at Interlagos. “When it comes to the drivers’ championship, I don’t think for Lando there was any particular pressure,” he remarked. Stella focused on mechanical issues like the car’s tendency to lock front tyres in certain conditions rather than driver fault.
Remaining Optimistic
While mathematically still in contention, Norris recognises the drivers’ title was always a stretch. Nevertheless, McLaren is geared up for the final rounds, aiming for victory and maintaining their lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
Norris responded to the Brazil result by acknowledging his performance: “I did all I could today. That’s all. Max won the race. Good on him. Well done, but it doesn’t change anything for me.”
Constructors’ Championship Push
Despite Norris’s setback, McLaren extended their advantage over Ferrari by seven points, holding a 36-point lead. McLaren is optimistic about the next races in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi, with hopes that these tracks favour their cars.
