Can McLaren celebrate further GP victories? Here’s what world champion Lando Norris has to say

For Lando Norris, the season so far has largely not gone to plan. The McLaren star had gone into the winter break as world champion following a title battle that went down to the very last lap, and naturally he had expressed his desire to successfully defend the hard-won number 1 on his car.

But even before the start of the season, it became clear to the Briton that it wouldn’t be easy. Mercedes looked solid and strong, meaning Toto Wolff’s team started the season as clear favourites. The high expectations of the Mercedes fans were met; the first Grand Prix victory of the year went to George Russell, after which his team-mate Kimi Antonelli thrilled the crowds with five Grand Prix victories in a row.

It was not until the seventh race of the year that another driver, the Ferrari star, stood on the top step of the podium once more. In Austria, Russell returned to the top, whilst Hamilton’s team-mate Charles Leclerc claimed victory at the British Grand Prix, before the fast teenager Antonelli triumphed at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

Lando Norris believes in further success

Up until that point, the McLaren team had had to make do with the occasional podium finish; it was only at the most recent race weekend in Hungary that the English team popped the champagne corks. Norris crossed the finish line first – and appeared confident afterwards. The 26-year-old is naturally hoping for further Grand Prix victories; when asked about this after the chequered flag had fallen, he said: “I’d like to think so. When you look at how good I felt in this race, then of course I want it to continue like this.”

However, the twelve-time GP winner isn’t under any illusions. He knows: “There will be moments when we’ll struggle more.” At the same time, though, he also makes it clear: “And perhaps there will also be moments when we’re even better. One thing is certain: this is a good track for us. For me, it’s probably the best circuit on the World Championship calendar. Things couldn’t look much better at the moment. But I’m convinced that we can continue to win races. I knew it would turn out this way, because the team has worked so hard to develop the car further so that it can finally win again. It’s lovely that I’ve now been able to give them this victory.”

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