Norris hails McLaren’s ‘amazing’ double Suzuka podium

Lando Norris has heaped praise on the McLaren team after it sealed its first double podium result of the campaign at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Norris crossed the line in second place, while rookie teammate Oscar Piastri secured the first podium of his career in third.

The duo were largely untroubled throughout the race, with McLaren implementing team orders midway through as Norris displayed stronger pace than his teammate.

Norris bagged his fourth podium of the year as McLaren continued its impressive recovery this season.

“Another amazing day for us, a P2 and a P3,” he said. “I couldn’t ask for any more, the team did an amazing job.

“My start was very good, I almost had Max. But Max is Max, I did have another chance into Turn 2. I tried. But the pace was very strong today compared to everyone.

“We were not close to Max but we weren’t miles away either.

“So it was a very good day, I’m very happy, especially for Oscar, his first podium in F1. So congrats to him.”

McLaren ‘getting there’

McLaren has been the second-fastest team all weekend, with Piastri and Norris qualifying in second and third respectively.

Although he foresees some difficult times ahead, Norris says McLaren be pleased with its progress this year as it started the campaign at the lower end of the field.

“We’re pushing, we’re getting there,” he said. “The progress we made is pretty outstanding.

“Like I said, I’m pretty proud of the team. The steps forward we’re making every weekend.

“I’m sure there’s going to be some tough times to come, but we’re getting there step by step.

“Our first double podium together with Oscar so a good moment for us.”