Photo credit: www.autosport.com
Lando Norris Responds to McLaren’s Performance Direction Ahead of Chinese Grand Prix
During a recent press conference ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix, Lando Norris made a significant statement regarding his ongoing relationship with McLaren’s design philosophy. He indicated that he has come to terms with the fact that he may no longer need to advocate for a car that aligns with his aggressive driving style.
This revelation might seem surprising, especially considering the MCL39 had showcased considerable potential during the season opener. Norris and his teammate, Oscar Piastri, were on track for a possible podium finish until a spin disrupted Piastri’s race. However, Norris provided crucial insights into why he feels the way he does.
Norris favors an aggressive approach to braking and corner entry, which necessitates a car that can handle such driving. He described the MCL39’s front-end response as being ‘pretty weak’ in these critical areas. Following this sentiment, during the Australian Grand Prix, GPS data suggested that Norris had adapted his technique, emphasizing smoother braking and prioritizing exit speed over aggressive entry.
Neil Houldey, McLaren’s technical director of engineering, responded to Norris’s comments, acknowledging the shift in focus towards overall performance with the new car. He explained, “Like [Norris] said, he stopped asking for what he likes and we’ve produced a faster car. We aim to create the best-performing vehicle possible, and he is competent enough to adjust his driving style accordingly.”
Houldey emphasized that attempting to tailor the car too closely to Norris’s preferences might lead to a compromise in speed. “If we prioritize making the car fit his style, we risk sacrificing performance,” he added. “It seems we’ve made the right choice so far, thanks to Lando’s adaptability.”
As the rules on ground effect technology evolve, teams are experiencing challenges in extracting additional performance without encountering unfavorable handling characteristics. The underfloor design is critical for generating downforce, but it must also maintain stability across varied forces from braking, acceleration, and uneven track surfaces.
This delicate equilibrium poses a considerable challenge. Teams striving for maximum downforce often find that even minor adjustments to the floor can lead to unpredictable balance issues during cornering. The effects of heavy braking can cause the car’s weight to shift sharply forward, negatively impacting rear grip.
Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, reaffirmed the team’s commitment to performance over the winter while also indicating a need to improve the MCL39’s overall handling before shifting the focus entirely to the 2026 car project. “We’re always looking to make the car easier for the drivers,” he noted during his discussions in China. “While we’ve seen impressive speed, when pushed to the limit, our drivers seek a bit more compliance from the setup.”
Brown elaborated, saying the team is working on innovations to enhance the car’s feel, highlighting that Norris had successfully adapted to the challenges presented by the car during the Australian GP. “We aim to improve its compliance but without sacrificing speed,” he said, emphasizing the fine line McLaren must walk.
The path forward, according to Brown, may lie in the invaluable experience the drivers will gain with the 2025 iteration of the car. He expressed confidence that as the season unfolds, Norris and Piastri will become increasingly proficient at navigating the intricacies of the MCL39. “Testing is limited to just three days, shared between both drivers, and the conditions in Australia were challenging,” he reflected. “I am sure Lando is still in the process of adapting.”
Source
www.autosport.com