McLaren's dynamic duo delights: Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri shine at Japanese Grand Prix
- Rob Fleming
- 25 September 2023
In the world of Formula 1, a team's success is often measured not only by the speed of their cars but also by the prowess of their drivers.
McLaren, the iconic British racing outfit, celebrated a big achievement at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, where their star drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri showcased their formidable skills, securing a double podium finish.
This feat has further solidified McLaren's ascent in the 2023 season and their pursuit of the constructors' championship in the upcoming Formula 1 seasons.
Norris's consistency and Piastri's debut brilliance
Norris, the British sensation, continued his impressive form by finishing in second place for the second consecutive race. Although he trailed the dominant race-winner Max Verstappen, Norris's performance demonstrated his unwavering consistency. This consistency has been a hallmark of Norris's season, where he has consistently been among the frontrunners since McLaren's significant upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix in July.
Piastri, a rising star in Formula 1 at just 22 years old, achieved his maiden podium finish in his debut season. Piastri's strong displays throughout the year exceeded expectations and recently earned him an extended contract, a testament to his talent. What makes his podium finish at Suzuka even more remarkable is that he had never even set foot in Japan before.
The strength of McLaren's driver pairing
Norris believes that McLaren's key advantage lies in their formidable driver duo. He stated, "I think our advantage at the minute comparing to almost every team, bar a couple, is we have two drivers who are up there fighting for these positions and fighting for these points." This strength in numbers provides McLaren with a unique advantage, allowing their drivers to support and push each other, a luxury not every team enjoys.
McLaren's progress and ambitions
Team principal Andrea Stella described the double podium at Suzuka as "an important milestone in our journey at McLaren." The team's progress throughout the season has been nothing short of remarkable, evident in their ability to finish just 19 seconds behind the race leader. This progress has fueled the team's ambition to close the gap with Aston Martin in the constructors' championship.
CEO Zak Brown is confident in McLaren's well-rounded car and their prospects for the remainder of the season. He expressed, "The team is just doing such a fantastic job, executing week in, week out. We are trying to catch Red Bull." Despite the formidable competition, Brown's optimism shines through as he looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities of the upcoming races.
Looking ahead: The Qatar Grand Prix
With six races remaining in the 2023 season, including three sprint weekends, McLaren's quest for glory continues. The next stop on the Formula 1 calendar is the Qatar Grand Prix, scheduled for October 6-8, 2023. This race will take place at the Losail International Circuit, a permanent venue located just outside of Lusail, north of Doha. McLaren's strong performance in high-speed settings leaves them well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead in Qatar and beyond.
As McLaren close in on Aston Martin in the constructors' championship, Formula 1 fans can anticipate thrilling battles and nail-biting races in the remaining races of the season.
