McLaren driver Lando Norris heads into the 2024 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix with lingering uncertainties about the performance potential of his MCL38 single-seater at the 4.304-kilometre Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City. Starting third on the grid at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Lando Norris will be behind pole-sitter Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari SF24 car and three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen in the Red Bull, who will start from second place.
With the notably long approach to Turn 1, Lando Norris is poised to leverage the advantage that has often benefitted drivers here in the past.
Though generally satisfied with his car’s performance, questions remain about McLaren’s race pace due to Friday’s second practice being dedicated to Pirelli’s tire testing for next season, limiting long-run evaluations.
Reflecting on his two laps in Q3, where he ended over three-tenths behind Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris commented: “Always tough to say, but I’m pretty happy with third, honestly. I feel like I got to the limit of the car quite quickly, which made us look good, but I struggled to get a lot more out of it in the final two laps. Carlos and Max did good laps, and especially Carlos, he’s been very quick all weekend, so I’m happy with third.” – the British driver pointed out at the end of the qualifying session for the Mexico City Grand Prix.
The McLaren driver acknowledged that his third-place grid position might offer a slipstream advantage into Turn 1, but admitted it was “hard to predict” if this would truly benefit him.
Pointing to the limited long-run data, he further remarked: “None of us have done proper long runs on the tyres we’re going to be on tomorrow. There are question marks for all of us, but Ferrari has been very good in quali and long run over the last couple of races, so it’s going to be tough. But we’re in a good position, so looking forward to it.” – Lando Norris concluded.
Leave a Reply