Norris keen for Dutch GP upgrade boost: 'It's about time'

Lando Norris has stated McLaren's upgrades have come at a good time for the team as it looks to maintain its position towards the front of the F1 pecking order.

McLaren is set to introduce its biggest collection of new parts since the Miami Grand Prix this weekend at Zandvoort.

The significant upgrade package in Miami aided Norris' charge to his first career win, with McLaren's pace this year lifting the Briton to second place in the drivers' championship.

But McLaren has faced an increased challenge at recent rounds from Mercedes, who has also made a notable step forward.

When asked what he wants from McLaren's fresh upgrades, Norris told media including RacingNews365: “To go quicker, nothing more really. To give the car more grip, to go faster. 

“We've not really had an upgrade since Miami, we’ve added little things to the car, but nothing which really, I would say, in our terms and for most people's terms, would be called an upgrade.

“It's just kind of one in between, just like small little steps forward, nothing which is a pure good step of performance.

“A lot of other teams have done over the last few races, especially our main competitors.”

McLaren taking measured approach to upgrades

McLaren has taken two race wins this year, but its consistent performances on both sides of the garage has seen it reel Red Bull in the constructors' championship.

Norris detailed McLaren was keen to avoid rushing upgrades to ensure it didn't corrupt the car's on-track performance - a scenario that has hindered Red Bull.

”It's about time [for fresh upgrades] - but I think in a good sense, we've taken our time to try and understand things well,” Norris said.

“We've seen other teams put things on the car and it did not necessarily work, and we wanted to make sure we avoided that.

“We were patient, I think we paid a price the last couple of races even though we've had some great races compared to some of our competitors with the upgrades they’ve been bringing.”