Norris Ready for McLaren to Risk it Again After Vegas Disqualification
Lando Norris asserts McLaren will continue to take ride height risks despite their double disqualification in Las Vegas for excessive plank wear. With only two races left, Norris, leading the standings by 24 points, believes pushing the limits is crucial to compete with Red Bull and maximize performance in the final championship push.
Lando Norris has declared that McLaren can continue to push the limits with their MCL39's ride height, despite both he and Oscar Piastri being disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The duo's second and fourth-place finishes were voided due to excessive plank wear, leaving the team with zero points from the event.
Why it matters:
McLaren's disqualification in Las Vegas was a significant setback, but Norris's stance highlights the team's aggressive pursuit of performance. With the championship battle tightening and just two races left, every point is critical for Norris, who currently leads by 24 points over Piastri and Max Verstappen. This strategic risk-taking is essential for McLaren to challenge Red Bull and secure their position in the Constructors' Championship.
The Details:
- Las Vegas Disqualification: Both Norris and Piastri were disqualified from the Las Vegas Grand Prix for excessive plank wear. This meant their initial second and fourth-place finishes were nullified.
- Championship Stakes: Norris currently holds a 24-point lead in the standings, with Piastri and Verstappen tied behind him. The remaining two races are crucial for securing the championship.
- Risk vs. Reward: Despite the previous disqualification, Norris emphasized that McLaren must continue to push the ride height limits. He explained that issues in Las Vegas actually made them slower, not quicker, suggesting there's still performance to be gained by optimizing the car's setup.
- Competitive Edge: Norris stated that in Formula 1, especially when fighting for wins, teams must always push things to the limit. He believes this aggressive approach is necessary to compete with Red Bull, who remain a formidable opponent.
- Upcoming Races: The season concludes with the Qatar Grand Prix, featuring the final sprint race, followed by the Abu Dhabi season finale. These events will be critical battlegrounds for McLaren.
What's next:
Norris and McLaren are focused on optimizing their car for the remaining races, aiming to extract maximum performance while navigating the fine line of technical regulations. The team's aggressive stance indicates a strong determination to win, even if it means taking calculated risks. Their performance in Qatar and Abu Dhabi will ultimately determine their standing in the Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.