Crisis? What crisis, says McLaren’s Norris

Amidst the tumult of the Formula 1 off-season, McLaren’s Lando Norris is a picture of unflustered calm. When asked of the team’s tumultuous 2020 campaign, the 21-year-old Briton is sanguine in his reply: “Crisis? What crisis?”

The Woking-based outfit endured a tumultuous 2020. After a promising pre-season, the team failed to live up to expectations and dropped to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, the lowest the team has finished since the turn of the century.

The underwhelming campaign was due in part to a power unit that lacked the cutting edge seen in rivals Mercedes and Ferrari. With a new Mercedes engine for 2021, however, Norris is bullish about McLaren’s prospects for the coming season.

“We’ve had a very good winter testing program,” he said. “The car has been handling well, and I’m confident we can make further improvements. We still have plenty of work to do, but I’m sure we can be competitive. We have the right people, the right tools and a great team spirit.”

Norris has been a crucial part of the McLaren setup since joining the team in 2019. The youngster has gone from strength to strength, scoring points in all but three of his first 22 races with the team.

The 2021 season promises to be an exciting one for Norris and McLaren. With a new engine and the potential to build on their 2020 gains, Norris is confident the team can turn their fortunes around this season.

“We have a lot of potential and I’m sure we can turn it into results,” he said. “We just have to stay focused and take it one step at a time. I’m sure that, with hard work and dedication, we can be back at the front of the grid.”