Lando Norris: “Ain’t No Song For Us” / Formula 1

After four races, McLaren sits firmly in third place in the constructors’ standings. However, before the Shanghai race, the team from Woking, England, is very careful.

Two things are a challenge for the Papai team: One pilot does not even know the way. And the racing circuit doesn’t seem to suit the car exactly.

Oscar Piastri, who is currently in his second Formula 1 season, has never driven at the Jiading circuit near Shanghai. He says: “I am looking forward to driving the Chinese Grand Prix for the first time. The way is new to me.”

But it’s a challenge: he has only one hour to figure out a new way. Because the first race of the season takes place in China, there is only one practice session. It is difficult for all pilots – but especially for foreigners in China like Piastri.

The Australian: “It will be very important to get the most out of the training session to familiarize yourself with the track. I was in the simulator, but of course things are different on the track.

Lando Norris has been to China before: in 2019 he drove the third Formula 1 race of his young career there and finished a disappointing 18th.

Norris: “It’s been a while since we went to Shanghai, so I’m looking forward to going back. Our last race there was challenging.”

And he says for next weekend: “It may not be the way that suits us, but we are prepared and we will give our best again.”

Team boss Andrea Stella also notes that McLaren and the track in China might not be the best of friends: “Of all the tracks we’ve driven so far this year, I’d say that the Shanghai International Circuit shouldn’t be the one, which is particularly suitable for the car “We can also deal with unpredictable weather.”

The Italian: “The lack of data for all teams can mean challenges and opportunities.”

Either for McLaren – or for the competition.

Japan-GP, Suzuka Circuit

01. Max Verstappen (NL), Red Bull Racing, 1:54:23,566 h
02. Sergio Pérez (MEX), Red Bull Racing, +12.535 seconds
03. Carlos Sainz (E), Ferrari, +20,866
04. Charles Leclerc (MC), Ferrari, +26,522
05. Lando Norris (GB), McLaren, +29.700
06. Fernando Alonso (E), Aston Martin, +44,272
07. George Russell (GB), Mercedes, +45,951
08. Oscar Piastri (AUS), McLaren, +47.525
09. Lewis Hamilton (GB), Mercedes, +48,626
10. Yuki Tsunoda (J), Bulls Racing, +1 Round
11. Nico Hülkenberg (D), Haas, +1 lap
12. Lance Stroll (CDN), Aston Martin, +1 Round
13. Kevin Magnussen (DK), Haas, +1 Lap
14. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), clean, +1 lap
15. Esteban Ocon (F), Alpine, +1 Round
16. Pierre Gasly (F), Alpine, +1 Round
17. Logan Sargeant (USA), Williams, +1 Round

outside
Guanyu Zhou (RCH), Sauber, Elektrik
Alex Albon (T), Williams, Crash
Daniel Ricciardo (AUS), Racing Bull, Crash

World Championship Standings (after 4 out of 24 Grands Prix)

the driver
01. Verstappen 77 points
02. Perez 64
03. Leclerc 59
04. Sainz 55
05. Norris 37
06. Plate 32
07. Russell 24
08. Alonso 24
09. Hamilton 10
10. Walk 7
11. Tsunoda 7
12. Oliver Bearman (GB) 6
13. Hulkenberg 3
14. Magnussen 1
15. Alboni 0
16. Zhou 0
17. Ricciardo 0
18. Okon 0
19. 0 gas
20. Bota 0
21. Sergeant 0

Builders Cup
01. Red Bull Racing 141 Punkte
02. Ferrari 120
03. McLaren 69
04. Mercedes 34
05. Aston Martin 33
06. Running Bull 7
07. Especially 4
08. Williams 0
09. Sauber 0
10. Alpine 0