Lando Norris does not currently see McLaren in contention for pole at the Italian Grand Prix in Formula 1, after a first day of free practice below the expected pace. The Brit finished FP1 in sixth and FP2 in fourth, but stated that the team still lacks performance.
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Norris highlighted that the car’s behavior presented an unexpected situation in Monza. McLaren found difficulties precisely in the corners where it expected to be more competitive, while it had better performance than expected in the sections considered more difficult.
“The pace is not where we need it to be at the moment. Strangely, we need to find performance in the corners where we expected to be strong, while we are a bit better than expected in those we thought would be difficult. I don’t think we are in the fight for pole at the moment,” Norris said.
Oscar Piastri also pointed out that McLaren still needs to find more speed. After finishing FP1 in eleventh, the Australian advanced to sixth in FP2 and highlighted the amount of data gathered during the sessions, which will be analyzed overnight before FP3 and qualifying.
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Neil Houldey, technical director of applied engineering, assessed that the car’s balance between high and low-speed sections is reasonable, but revealed that the team is about three tenths below the desired performance. The new ‘H wing’ had a positive functioning, while energy management will be one of the focuses of the overnight work, especially in energy recovery and distribution.
Houldey also acknowledged that it will be difficult to fight for pole with the current level of performance, but expects an evolution: “We will look for small gains in the car and with the drivers, and I am confident that we will be a little closer,” he added.
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