Lando Norris acknowledged some progress for McLaren during the Barcelona GP preparations, despite continued challenges with the MCL40. Notably, he secured fourth place in qualifying, a positive outcome after a disappointing Monaco race. However, he emphasized that the car still has significant inconsistencies, especially in low-speed corners where it struggles, underlining that improvements are more about circumstance than a solved issue.

By the Numbers
  • Norris achieved fourth place in qualifying, showing significant recovery from a seventh-place finish in Monaco.
  • The gap to P3 was just three-tenths of a second, which indicates close competitiveness but highlights McLaren's need for further improvements.
State of Play
  • McLaren displayed improved performance at the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit, benefiting from its layout.
  • However, Norris pointed out that the team is currently not on par with previous seasons' competitiveness.
What's Next

Looking ahead to the race, Norris anticipates a challenging battle against teams like Mercedes and Ferrari, especially considering tire degradation and performance differentials. The team must aim for consistent podium finishes while addressing fundamental car issues for various track conditions.

Bottom Line

While McLaren is making strides in performance, the MCL40's inconsistencies highlight the need for a more universally competitive package. Norris's insights show the team is aware of its current limitations and the difficulties ahead in maintaining competitiveness against stronger rivals.