The key advantange Norris feels McLaren holds over F1 rivals

Lando Norris has detailed one key factor that McLaren possesses over some of its rivals as it chances Aston Martin for fourth in the Constructors' Championship.

McLaren has enjoyed a strong run of form in recent races amid its successful development of the MCL60 car, which started the season on the back foot.

Last time out at the Japanese Grand Prix, McLaren scored its first double podium of the year, with Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri finishing second and third respectively.

Amid Aston Martin's dip in form at recent events, it has closed the gap down to 49 points.

Additionally, it has solely been Fernando Alonso scoring points for Aston Martin at the last handful of races, with Lance Stroll failing to score since Belgium.

Norris alluded that McLaren's ability to have both of its drivers consistently scoring points will help it push for a higher spot in the standings.

Norris 'proud' of McLaren

When asked by media including RacingNews365 if McLaren could overtake Aston Martin by the end of the year, Norris said: “Yes.

“I didn't think it was that close. But yeah, if it's 49 [points] then I definitely think so. There are not many races left.

“I’m sure there's going to be a couple where Aston is going to be a bit stronger.

“But I think our advantage at the minute compared to almost every team, bar a couple, is we have two drivers who are up there fighting for these positions and fighting for these points.

“Not every team has that at the minute. So I think that's helping us.

“We can help one another, we can use one another, and I think that's a good advantage we have over a lot of other teams at the minute. So we're on an upward trend.”

McLaren has introduced two sizeable upgrades this year, helping it leap up the pecking order after starting the campaign at the lower end of the grid.

Amid its effort to recover from its challenging start, Norris has asserted his pride for the Woking-based squad.

“We’re making good progress and days like today prove exactly that,” he said.

“Even though I know there's going to be maybe some tougher races coming up at times and maybe not as straightforward as [Japan].

“The progress we’ve made this season has been pretty incredible from my eyes and from where we were, to finishing 18 seconds behind the lead or 19 seconds is I think evidence of exactly that.

“So I'm proud of everyone and we'll keep pushing.”