Norris doubts McLaren can repeat Monza performance in F1 2021

Lando Norris says it’s unlikely that McLaren will be able to repeat its impressive level of performance seen at Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix.

Connor McDonagh

23 Sep 2021

Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren in the FIA Press Conference.
© FIA Pool Image for Editorial Use

McLaren scored its first 1-2 finish in over 11 years as Daniel Ricciardo won ahead of Norris ahead of Monza.

Even though title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen collided, taking each other out of the race in the process, McLaren was on course to win the race regardless.

Speaking ahead of the Russian Grand Prix, Norris was asked whether McLaren could repeat its Monza heroics.

“Probably not,” Norris said. “We will try our best. “We will try to maximize everything. There are some tracks that we are definitely better at and some we are worse at, but there are these opportunities that arise for us that we are good at taking advantage of and being in the right position at the right time. We had an amazing weekend in Monza.

“It was a bit of a shock for everyone, but we were there on merit and were very quick all weekend. But it does not mean we will be like that every single weekend from now on. We did not find anything magical. We had a better weekend and things flowed better for us, and the car suited the track.

“That is the way it is going to be for the rest of the season. Some tracks will be better and will be more competitive and some tracks work in a struggle more. But how good or bad we will be I am not too sure yet.”

McLaren’s big points haul at Monza moved it 13.5 points clear of Ferrari in the race for third in the constructors’ championship.

“Good for the moment, but like Charles [Leclerc] said it is tight,” Norris said when assessing the battle for third. “It has been swinging backwards and forwards. We had a tough weekend in Zandvoort and they pulled away a decent amount. And then we got them back in Monza. I wished we could run away with it but I don’t think any of us will.

“It will go backwards and forwards, some races we will be better in some races they will be a little bit better. That’s the way it is. It keeps us on our toes. It is exciting and challenging. Maybe not a thing we really want but it is a good challenge.”