Norris in McLaren vowed as the challenge of Red Bull issued

Lando Norris has claimed that he and McLaren can win the grand prix this season, despite Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s poor start to the year.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong display at the Chinese Grand Prix, coming from fourth on the grid and using the safety car to take the second eighth result of his career, finishing among the Red Bulls . Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

It was a surprise result, with McLaren not fancying its chances heading into the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, with the track’s slower corners playing more into the hands of its rivals – or so the team thought.

“Every time I finish behind Max (Verstappen), it feels like a win, so (today is) a good day,” the McLaren driver said. Sky Sports F1 after the race, emphasizing the strength of the Verstappen-Red Bull combination.

“(I am very surprised, I did not expect a day like today, I was very happy for me, for the whole team, most importantly).

“(Definitely) exceeded our expectations, but a lot of things just went – I didn’t make a mistake in Turn 1 this time and I could have some fresh air, I was able to control my race and it made a big difference today.”

“I think we can win this year”

With a further seven third-place finishes to his name, Norris holds the unassailable record for an F1 driver with the most podiums without a grand prix win.

After coming so close in the past, the ‘always the bride, never the bride’ narrative has begun to develop as to whether Norris will be able to claim the unprecedented victory.

Asked if it was frustrating or if he felt he “deserved” the win, Norris replied: “I feel like it, but that’s Formula 1.”

The Englishman continued to elaborate, expressing confidence in his and his team’s ability to win this season, despite how difficult the task appears to be.

“Max (Verstappen) is doing a good job, Red Bull are doing a very good job. I can’t fault them and I can’t be too upset about it, but I feel that I’m getting down a lot in the car, especially on Sundays,” he explained.

“Therefore, I must enjoy the work I do. And one day – I think it’s coming. I think this year.

“I’m not overconfident in saying, I think we can win this year, but it’s going to be tough. We have a lot of work to do, but we’re working hard.”