sports
McLaren and Lando Norris aim to put horror start behind them at Japanese Grand Prix
McLaren’s intent is clear as they enter the Japanese Grand Prix after a trying opening to the season: the only way is up. Suzuka’s singular and spectacular test will form another part of the team’s learning curve of the new regulations, with optimism that the defending champion Lando Norris’s title and the team’s constructors’ championship are still within reach.
TL;DR
- McLaren is looking to improve their performance at the Japanese Grand Prix after a difficult start to the season.
- The team has faced challenges with aerodynamics and understanding new engine power management rules.
- Reliability issues, including electrical problems with battery units, have affected both cars.
- Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris's teammate, has yet to start a race this year due to an accident on the way to the grid.
- Despite being third fastest and behind Ferrari and Mercedes, McLaren believes their championships are still within reach.
- Lando Norris acknowledges Mercedes' strong start but is confident McLaren is heading in the right direction.
- The team is targeting upgrades for the Miami Grand Prix in early May.
- Oscar Piastri showed improved performance in the second practice session at Suzuka, outperforming both Mercedes drivers.
- Ferrari appears to be struggling with power deployment, potentially giving McLaren an edge at Suzuka.
- The race will test F1's new regulations, particularly energy recovery systems, on the challenging Suzuka circuit.