Lando Norris, McLaren, Paul Ricard, 2021

Norris surprised by McLaren’s points haul as they re-pass Ferrari

2021 French Grand Prix

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Lando Norris says McLaren did not expect such a strong result in the French Grand Prix after he finished fifth ahead of team mate Daniel Ricciardo.

McLaren equalled their best points haul of the season so far, jumping past Ferrari into third place in the constructors’ championship.

Norris was satisfied with the result after a disappointing qualifying performance saw them start eighth and 10th.

“I’m really happy with today,” he said, “especially after yesterday, I was a bit disappointed. So to come back and be P5 for me, P6 for Danny [it’s] a good result for us as a team. I think it’s been our best race together.

“I’m a bit surprised because I didn’t think we were really expecting this after yesterday. So a few things for us to try and understand.

“It was a fun race for me, all the overtaking and the strategy and trying to survive in the first with the tyres and things. It was tricky but it paid off.”

Norris lost two places at the start after experiencing a gear shift problem. “Lap one was pretty bad for me – the start, really,” he said. “I had a downgraded shift or a bad shift to second or third gear and I lost quite a few positions.”

McLaren opted to keep Norris out for a long opening stint before pitting him for hard tyres on lap 24. The fresher tyres helped him pass several cars on his way to fifth.

McLaren’s fortunes were in contrast to those of rivals Ferrari, who fell down the field after struggling for race pace. But Norris does not believe the result in France shows McLaren now has an advantage over them.

“I’m not going to get too happy,” he said. “It’s going to be like this all year: This weekend has gone to us, but they’re fast and they’re tough to beat, so I’m sure they’ll be back next time.”

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2021 French Grand Prix

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4 comments on “Norris surprised by McLaren’s points haul as they re-pass Ferrari”

  1. I think Norris managed to justify his place in F1 by his skill, pace, dedication and maturity. He is a solid driver that every team would like to have as a driver to score consistent points. Next achievement for him would be to start challenging for consistent podiums next year (hopefully with a good car) if he wants to make a long lasting impression in F1 history.

  2. What a 2-0 win against Ferrari.

  3. That was solid by McLaren. Their good tyre wear is such a weapon.

    1. Agreed. Hope they stay strong until the end of the season.

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