McLaren drivers hail team’s ‘outstanding progress’ after first double podium

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri praised McLaren’s progress this season after securing second and third in the Japanese Grand Prix.

The two McLaren drivers appeared on the podium together for the first time this season. Norris finishing behind winner Max Verstappen and Piastri taking his first podium in his rookie season.

Norris hailed McLaren’s first double podium result since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix as an “amazing day” for his team.

“A P2 and a P3 – we couldn’t have asked for any more,” Norris said. “The team did an amazing job.

“My start was very good. I almost had Max, but Max is Max as well, so I didn’t have a lot of chance in turn two. So I tried, but the pace was extremely strong today compared to everyone. We’re not close to Max, but we’re not miles away either, so it was a very good day.”

After McLaren started the season struggling to score points, Norris said the result was a sign of the constant improvements the team have been making through the year.

“We’re pushing, we’re getting there,” Norris said. “The progress we’ve made is pretty outstanding.

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

“I’m very proud of the team, the steps forward we’re making every weekend. I’m sure there’s going to be some tough times to come, but we’re getting there step-by-step and our first double podium together with Oscar. So a good moment for us.”

Piastri described his first career podium in Formula 1 as a “pretty special” moment for him

“It feels pretty special, definitely,” he said. “I’ll remember it for a very, very long time.

“I can’t thank the team enough for giving me this opportunity. There’s not many people in the world who get this opportunity in their whole life, and I’ve managed to have it in my first season. So thank you very much to the team. It wasn’t my best race ever, but it was enough to get a trophy in the end. So super happy.”

After allowing his team mate through after their first pit stops, Piastri caught and passed the Mercedes around the outside of turn one to move back into third place.

“The move on George, I knew I had to try and get past, otherwise I was going to get stuck for a while,” Piastri explained. “So that one was a bit close, but our pace after that was very strong.

“I think in the second half of the race I got more into a groove, more into a rhythm and the pace was a bit better. So very, very happy and excited to try and get some more.”

Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free

2023 Japanese Grand Prix

• Norris: Red Bull’s dominance down to ‘small things which make a big difference’
• Mercedes must halve deficit to Red Bull before 2024 season starts – Hamilton
• Mercedes expect “tight” fight for second in championship after Ferrari gains
• Norris breaks Hulkenberg’s record for most points without a win in F1
• Transcript: What Alonso really meant by being “thrown to the lions” at Suzuka

Browse all 2023 Japanese Grand Prix articles