Something significant unfolded for McLaren and Lando Norris at the conclusion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Beyond the inevitable outcome of the world championship slipping to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, it was Norris’s impressive adjustment during the race that stood out. His performance offered a glimpse of what could be vital for McLaren’s future aspirations.
Norris’s Tactical Tyre Management
During the race, Norris demonstrated remarkable skill with his second set of hard tyres. His performance mirrored the strategic finesse showcased by Lewis Hamilton when closing in on George Russell as the race neared its conclusion. Crucially, Norris managed to work around the McLaren MCL38’s typical issue of “killing the fronts” on low-downforce tracks. By pushing the tyres harder and introducing controlled oversteer, Norris managed to hit the critical tyre temperature window that had eluded him in previous attempts.
Norris’s second out-lap was nearly a second quicker than his first, a feat even more impressive given the tyre’s graining severity on the cool track surface. He chose to ignore a McLaren differential settings adjustment as the stint progressed, showing his determination and adaptability.
Strategic Pit Stops and Team Decisions
McLaren’s decision to pit Norris for soft tyres in pursuit of the fastest lap point might prove crucial in their constructors’ battle against Ferrari. With the Abu Dhabi finale approaching, every point is essential. McLaren’s team boss, Andrea Stella, praised this approach, explaining how it reflected Norris’s progress throughout the 2024 season. According to Stella, this progression fortified Norris’s awareness and capability to utilise his skills or develop new ones.
Lando’s Long-Term Impact and McLaren’s Future
Norris’s breakthrough serves as a critical moment in helping McLaren address its graining issue, a problem that’s plagued their cars since his debut with the team in 2019. As McLaren eyes the anticipated 2025 multi-team title battle, resolving this flaw will be crucial. Avoiding a slow start in the first quarter of the season, he asserts, is necessary if McLaren wants a championship-contending car from the outset. This mindset marks a shift from the uphill battle faced when McLaren’s MCL38 upgrades propelled them into victory contention by the Miami round earlier this year.
As the Formula 1 season races toward Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris’s strategy at the Las Vegas Grand Prix offers a compelling narrative of growth and determination. It is a testament to his tenacity and McLaren’s strategic vision going forward.
