Norris Calls for 'Homework' After 'Sketchy' São Paulo Sprint Win
Lando Norris clinched a "sketchy" sprint win in São Paulo, battling challenging conditions and a strong Mercedes challenge. Despite his victory, the McLaren driver called for the team to do "some homework" to address inconsistent performance ahead of Grand Prix qualifying, highlighting the need for optimization to maintain their competitive edge.
Lando Norris secured a pole-to-flag victory in the São Paulo sprint race but admitted the win felt "sketchy" at times, prompting him to call for McLaren to do "some homework" ahead of the main Grand Prix.
Why it matters:
Norris's victory in a challenging sprint race, marked by a red flag and close competition, highlights McLaren's improved pace but also reveals underlying performance inconsistencies. Addressing these issues is crucial as the team aims to solidify its position as a top contender and challenge for more significant results, especially with Mercedes showing strong form.
The Details:
- Sprint Victory: Norris led from pole at Interlagos, fending off fierce competition, particularly from Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli.
- Red Flag Interruption: The race saw a 26-minute red flag period on lap six after a multi-car incident involving Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto, all of whom crashed after riding a wet kerb.
- Challenging Conditions: Norris described the race as "sketchy," citing tricky wind conditions and high tire degradation. He noted the Mercedes' strong pace kept him under constant pressure.
- Performance Gap: Despite the win, Norris expressed some surprise, stating, "I just expected us to be a little better, and we weren't. I don't know how much of that was down to the tyres, or just that they did a good job and they were quick today."
- Team Homework: He emphasized the need for McLaren to conduct "some homework" to analyze their performance and prepare for the upcoming qualifying session and the Grand Prix.
What's next:
Norris heads into Grand Prix qualifying with a nine-point lead over Piastri in the sprint standings, his largest margin this season. While confident in McLaren's qualifying pace, he acknowledges the changing conditions and the pressure from Mercedes. The team's ability to fine-tune their setup and address the "sketchy" aspects of their performance will be critical for a strong showing in the main race. The close gaps mean that "perfect laps" will be essential for success.