Lando Norris had an impressive showing in Friday’s practice sessions at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing first in FP1 and third in FP2. But despite the solid results, the McLaren driver isn’t feeling completely at ease with his MCL39.
“It’s a good start to the weekend, and we have a solid base, but we’re not where we want to be,” Norris admitted. “We don’t have full confidence in the car when it comes to finding the right balance and maintaining consistency, especially on low fuel.”
While the Briton felt more comfortable with a heavier fuel load, the MCL39’s behavior in qualifying simulations reminded him of its struggles in Bahrain. “There were too many inconsistencies, too many issues. It made things a bit tricky.”
Piastri More Optimistic but Cautious
On the other side of the garage, Oscar Piastri had a strong day at his home Grand Prix, securing P2 in FP2. Unlike Norris, he sounded more optimistic about the car’s performance.
“It was encouraging. The pace was solid, and we’re in a good place,” Piastri said. “There are still a few details to fine-tune, but overall, it felt good.”
Despite his confidence, the Australian remains cautious about the unpredictable weekend ahead. With extreme heat expected on Saturday and the possibility of rain on Sunday, conditions could shake up the pecking order.
“Sunday’s weather could bring some challenges, but I think our base pace is strong,” he noted.
McLaren in the Fight, but Piastri Eyes More Than Just a Podium
McLaren is firmly in the mix at the front, but Piastri is keeping an eye on Ferrari and Mercedes.
“Ferrari looked really quick today, and Mercedes showed strong pace at times as well,” he observed. “Things are looking good for us, but we’re not just here to fight for a podium—we want to go for the win.”
With mixed conditions on the horizon, McLaren’s true potential in Melbourne remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: they’re aiming for the very top.
- Discover More>Sauber F1: A Solid Start, but No Overconfidence for Hülkenberg and Bortoleto
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Norris Unsettled Despite Strong McLaren Start in Melbourne Norris Unsettled Despite Strong McLaren Start in Melbourne
