Norris confession reveals extent of McLaren problems

Lando Norris says McLaren's much-vaunted Azerbaijan Grand Prix Formula 1 upgrade package is "where we should have started the year" following their slow start to the season.

At the launch of the MCL60, McLaren were quick to downplay the new car, saying a new development route had been identified late in the process - with the new parts, relating to the floor - not being able to be brought to the car before Baku.

The team have had a difficult start to the season, but scored their first points in Australia, and now with the upgrade coming, Norris is cautiously optimistic, but "does not want to get ahead of myself."

Norris bullish about McLaren upgrades

"Australia was definitely a better weekend for us, things definitely went our way a little bit more," he explained to media including RacingNews365.

"We were unlucky which made things look worse in the first few races, and we do have the upgrade [this weekend].

"That was made clear and obvious very early on in the season, but what we have now is where we should have started the year.

"Our job is to try and bring slightly bigger things and try to play a little bit of catch up.

"What we have this weekend is just the baseline we should have started the year with and it's about understanding what we have now is a better baseline and more room for opportunities and improvements with what we have.

"It's simply going to make us take a small step forward, but to other people who also bring upgrades, it's going to be slightly smaller.

"I'm excited the team did a very good job to bring these things through and to get them ready, but it's not maximising what we have now."