Norris in McLaren vow as Red Bull challenge issued

Lando Norris has asserted he and McLaren can win a grand prix this season, despite the formidable start to year Max Verstappen and Red Bull are having.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong showing at the Chinese Grand Prix, working his way up from fourth on the grid and capitalising on the safety car periods to take the eighth second-place result of his career, finishing between the Red Bulls of Verstappen and Sergio Perez.

It was somewhat of a surprise result, with McLaren not fancying its chances heading into the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit, with the track's slow-speed corners playing more into its rivals' hands - or so the team thought.

“Whenever I finish behind Max [Verstappen], I feel like it’s a win, so [today is] a great day," the McLaren driver told Sky Sports F1 after the race, underscoring the strength of the Verstappen-Red Bull combination.

“[I’m] really surprised, was not expecting a day like today, so very happy for myself, for the whole team, more importantly.

“[It] definitely exceeded our expectations, but a lot of things just went our way – I didn't make a mistake in Turn 1 this time and I could have clean air, I could control my own race and it made a big difference today."

'I think we can get a win this year'

With a further seven third-place finishes to his name, Norris holds the unenviable record of F1 driver with the most podiums without a grand prix win.

Having come close before, an 'always the bridesmaid, never the bride' narrative has begun to develop as to whether Norris will be able to claim that elusive grand prix victory.

When asked if it was frustrating or if he felt he "deserved" a win, Norris replied: “I feel like it, but that’s Formula 1."

The Briton went on to elaborate, voicing confidence in his and his team's ability to take a win this season, despite how tough a task it is proving to be.

“Max [Verstappen] is doing a good job, Red Bull are doing an amazing job. I can’t fault them and I can’t be too annoyed at that, but I feel like I’m getting a lot out of the car, especially on Sundays," he explained.

“So, I have to be happy with the job I am doing. And one day – I think it's coming. I think this year.

“I'm not overconfident in saying it, I think we can get a win this year, but it's going to be difficult. We have a lot of work to do, but we're working hard."