P1racenews AI automatic summary:
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella says analysis has shown that perceptions of first-lap weakness from Lando Norris were overblown, although he believes that Norris is improving as he gains exper…
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has stated that the perceived first-lap weakness of Lando Norris has been exaggerated, with Norris showing improvement as he gains more experience starting from pole position. Prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris had struggled to retain the lead after starting from pole position in previous races, but he managed to hold off Max Verstappen in Singapore. Stella emphasized that detailed analysis of Norris’s starts and first laps did not reveal any major weaknesses in his performance.
Stella also mentioned specific instances, such as the race in Barcelona, where team-related issues impacted Norris’s starts, highlighting the importance of team collaboration and preparation. As McLaren transitions into a front-running team capable of contending for wins at every circuit, Stella emphasized the team’s need to adapt and refine its approach to racing at the front. This period of adjustment has involved strategic changes and a focus on internal competition within the team.
Overall, Stella views the current phase as a developmental journey for both McLaren and Norris, with each race presenting new challenges and opportunities for growth. The team is learning to navigate the complexities of being a frontrunner in Formula 1, which includes refining race strategies and optimizing performance in high-pressure situations.
