Lando Norris has been putting in the effort to improve his qualifying performances in preparation for the upcoming season. The McLaren driver was highly self-critical in 2023 whenever he didn’t have a flawless qualifying session, but he’s been focusing on this area during the off-season. Norris explains that he’s been working on his driving technique and his ability to perform during laps, and he’s been testing these improvements on the simulator. However, he acknowledges that true progress can only be measured once he’s back in the car and under pressure during the first qualifying session of the season. Only then will he know if his strategies have been effective and if further improvements are necessary.
Norris expects that qualifying will be a challenging aspect for drivers and teams, with the potential for highs and lows. One day, they may achieve a strong result in Q3, but the next day they could be eliminated in Q1 if they fail to maximize their potential. As regulations progress, the competition becomes tighter, and last year was already one of the closest seasons in terms of regulations. The gap between the top teams and the back of the grid was minimal, especially when considering second or third place. The difference was likely less than half a second. Norris believes that as regulations continue to tighten, it will become less possible to get away with imperfect laps or slight mistakes. Consistent results will require fewer errors, increased dedication, learning, and striving for perfection.
Source: racer.com
