Norris on McLaren: 'Things can always change'

Lando Norris will make his F1 debut with McLaren in 2019, and he believes that the Woking outfit have a “much better understanding” of their problems.

Norris will make his debut after finishing in P2 in the Formula 2 Championship, second only to Williams-bound George Russell.

He was asked whether the McLaren team would improve in 2019 after the last few poor seasons, but he said that “no one knows”.

“I guess they have decent ideas of things that they’re working on, bits they’re trying to improve,” Norris admitted.

“All those little things which they’ve had a lot of data to say it’s better, but things can always change.”

The young Brit has been part of the McLaren team for several years now, rising up through the junior ranks.

Now he has the promotion to the senior team, he believes that his crew will solve the problems surrounding the car.

“I think they are focusing on making 100 per cent sure they know things are going to be for the good — not kind of like this year and maybe not end up so good,” the rookie added.

“I think they’re focusing more on making sure something is 100 per cent better rather than just going: ‘it looks like it’s going to be better’ and maybe putting it on, something like that. I think they have a much better understanding, but time will tell.”

Norris is yet to drive the MCL34, McLaren’s challenger for next season, as he has been focussing on FP1 sessions this year.

However, with Fernando Alonso possibly coming back in to test the new car, and with Nyck de Vries also in the stable, he is confident.

“I think they’ve done a lot more than I have lately, because I’ve been doing FP1s and so on for the development for next year,” Norris said.

“I think a lot more is going to happen over the winter.

“Of course, a lot of the work’s already been done. I haven’t tested the car for next year yet.

“I’ve obviously tested little bits, and things throughout the season — of course, there’s always development for this year’s car.”

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