Norris issues rally call to McLaren over key improvement

Lando Norris has insisted McLaren must improve its high-speed corner performance in order to draw level with Red Bull.

Norris has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024 Formula 1 campaign, scoring six podiums across the opening 10 races, including a victory at the Miami Grand Prix.

The season has largely been dominated by Max Verstappen, who currently holds a 69-point lead in the drivers' standings over Norris.

Ahead of the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix round, Norris played up McLaren's chances around the Red Bull Ring.

“I mean, I'm confident every weekend we go into now, the car is performing extremely well,” Norris told media including RacingNews365. 

“We're always there or thereabouts within a couple of tenths of pole, and that's all we can ask for.

“I think we need to bring something a little bit more just to make our life a bit easier.

“It’s close, and now we have, what, four teams who I think can easily fight for pole positions and fight for wins, potentially. So it's a very different layout again.”

Norris wants high-speed improvements

Norris has come close to winning multiple races this year, including the previous two rounds in Canada and Spain, were he crossed the line just a handful of seconds behind Verstappen.

As he seeks to get on par the Red Bull driver, Norris has called on McLaren to improve in the high-speed corners, believing its package is strong elsewhere.

“High speed, I think we have a bit to work on, comparing to Red Bull,” Norris stated.

“Red Bull seem definitely a bit higher, better in high-speed corners than we are.

“Potentially we're lacking a touch in that area but the rest of it is strong. 

“It's been one of my best tracks in terms of my own competitiveness and my most successful tracks so excited to see all the papaya and the grandstands and have a good weekend.”