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Lando Norris Backs Mercedes to Shine Again in Qatar Following Vegas Triumph

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Lando Norris Backs Mercedes to Shine Again in Qatar Following Vegas Triumph

Nov 22, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; McLaren Formula 1 Team driver Lando Norris of Great Britain (4) drives during practice for the Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 at the Las Vegas Circuit. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Fresh off a dominating performance in Las Vegas, Mercedes heads into the Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix with sky-high momentum. According to McLaren’s Lando Norris, the Silver Arrows could carry that form straight into Lusail this weekend, cementing themselves as the team to beat.

“Mercedes Are the Favorites” – Norris’ Bold Prediction

Mercedes delivered a stellar performance under the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, clinching a commanding 1-2 finish. George Russell’s controlled drive from pole position secured his first win of the season, while Lewis Hamilton’s remarkable climb from P10 to second place underscored the team’s dominance in cooler conditions.

While McLaren has been a force in high-speed corners and is expected to be competitive on Qatar’s sweeping curves, Norris believes Mercedes’ Vegas momentum gives them the upper hand.

“Mercedes were very quick here last year, so they are definitely the favourites coming into this weekend,” Norris stated on Thursday.
“It was close. Red Bull were good last year – Max [Verstappen] – and we were good as well. I’m expecting a good battle.
“Honestly, no idea, but when you look at things, Ferrari and Mercedes seem like the guys in a better flow at the minute.”

Norris also highlighted Ferrari’s improving form, suggesting the Constructors’ Championship rivals could also contend in Lusail’s demanding conditions.


Russell’s Strategic Focus on Qatar

George Russell, fresh off his confidence-boosting Vegas victory, has doubled down on his belief that Qatar could suit Mercedes even more. His strategic choice to preserve a fresher engine for Lusail reflects the team’s focus on capitalizing in the Middle East.

“Coming into the triple header, this was the one we had our eyes on, to be honest,” Russell admitted.
“To the point that I wanted to put an older engine in for Vegas to have the freshest one possible for this weekend.”

Russell credited the smooth surface and cold temperatures in Vegas for unlocking the car’s potential but emphasized the importance of adapting to varying conditions to avoid the “peaky” performance dips seen earlier this season.

“It’s no secret when we get the car in that right window, it flies,” Russell explained.
“But when we go to other circuits where it’s really bumpy, we’ve got to lift the car up, got to make it really soft. That’s not how our car operates.”


Mercedes’ Window for Success

Mercedes’ success in Vegas has reignited hopes that the W14 can excel when conditions align. But the team remains acutely aware of the challenges posed by their car’s narrow operating window.

“Clearly, it’s way too peaky now,” Russell acknowledged.
“And that’s maybe also why we’ve made so many mistakes this season. Because you just fall off that cliff.”


The Stage Is Set

With the penultimate race of the season looming, the battle for supremacy in Qatar promises to be intense. Can Mercedes replicate their Vegas magic on Lusail’s smooth, high-speed layout? Or will McLaren and Ferrari disrupt the party? As Norris put it, the weekend could deliver another thrilling chapter in an already unpredictable season.

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