Lando Norris, the McLaren Formula 1 driver, has revealed that his car will be using repaired floors from a previous incident to cover the damage sustained in the clash with Max Verstappen during the Austrian Grand Prix. The collision, which occurred at Turn 3, resulted in a puncture and forced Norris to retire from the race. Despite the minimal contact between the two cars, the consequences could potentially affect Norris’ performance at Silverstone. Expressing his disappointment, Norris emphasized the impact on the team’s budget and upgrades, as well as the disadvantage they may face in future races. However, McLaren has managed to patch up the damaged floors, including spare ones that were already in need of repair. The team has worked diligently to ensure that the car is ready for the upcoming race weekend, considering the possibility of further damage during the intense three-race schedule. Norris acknowledged the team’s efforts in preparing the car, highlighting the importance of every component in the championship fight and the pursuit of optimal performance within the limitations of the budget cap and upgrades. Despite the setback, Norris expressed gratitude for the team’s work in ensuring that everything is set for the next race.
McLaren’s return to consistently achieving podium finishes was highlighted in the previous season’s race at Silverstone, where Norris secured a second-place finish behind Verstappen’s Red Bull. However, after their recent triumph in Miami and their strong performances in various other races during the 2024 season, the Woking-based team is now aiming for a triumphant victory on their home turf. Norris expressed his thoughts on their current form, stating that they have been consistently competitive in recent races, although Mercedes has been steadily closing the gap. Last weekend, Mercedes showcased impressive speed and proved to be one of the fastest cars on the track. They have made significant progress since the earlier stages of the season. McLaren finds themselves in a favorable position, but Red Bull is equally strong. As a result, Norris anticipates a closely fought battle among several teams.
Photo from McLaren Instagram
