Norris responds sharply to critics: 'We've been there every single time'
F1 News
Both McLaren drivers proved they had the potential to win the British Grand Prix, but ultimately McLaren's strategy let them down. With two races left before the summer break, and only seven points separating them from Ferrari in second place, the British team are determined to perform. In Hungary, Lando Norris responded to the criticism the team recieved after Silverstone.
McLaren's strategic decision-making was called into question once again following the British Grand Prix. It isn't the first time this season the team has made a mistake which has cost them points, and positions. Nevertheless, Norris is not concerned by the past, as he looks ahead to Hungary this weekend, where he expects them to be the strongest team. Speaking to GPblog among others, the Brit revealed how the team have learnt from their Silverstone performance: "It's really not a big thing," he said. "It's not something we've had to spend five, six days on or two weeks or whatever to understand and figure it out. I think everyone's been very up for trying to work on themselves and figure out what they could have done better,"
"I don't think it's a super complicated process but when you're in the moment of leading a race or your second and you have to make these decisions of course there's always a lot more stress and pressure on making the right calls but we've done so many good things at the same time. I think reminding ourselves of the stuff we've done well is important," the McLaren driver explained.
How confident does Norris feel ahead of Hungary?
Norris sits second in the Drivers' championship behind Max Verstappen, and is yet to win a second race this season after Miami. Although the team may have only secured one win this season, they have featured on the podium consistently since China. This consistent performance is key for Norris, especially as Mercedes continue to demonstrate their improvements. "I think we've definitely been the most consistent team but I don't think we've been the outright best team. Maybe one or two races I would put my money on saying we were probably potentially the best car but from A to B through a whole weekend. I don't think we've had a dominant weekend," he explained.
"But, we've just been there every single time and we've made opportunities, we've not made mistakes, so reliability has been strong, and other things that people don't talk about." Nevertheless, Mercedes are only 74 points behind, and with two consecutive wins already this season, plus the fact they have started on pole in Hungary for four consecutive seasons, the pressure is on: "We've seen in two races now that Mercedes potentially look like one of the strongest teams. You're still going to have tracks where Red Bull is one of the strongest. But McLaren are easily the strongest here this weekend," the Brit concluded.