Despite a woeful start to the 2023 campaign, McLaren registered an unprecedented turnaround as the season progressed. Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the team’s establishment, newly inducted team principal Andrea Stella ensured that they ended the season as one of the front-runners. Now, in hindsight, Lando Norris has applauded the Italian with some very high praise.
While speaking about Stella, Autosport.com quoted Norris as saying, “He’s the producer of the set, and everyone else is the cast but you need everyone to work together very well. That’s what they’re doing. So, he’s done an amazing job. I’m very, very happy with having him where he is. He still does a lot for the team every single weekend in terms of racing and qualifying and all of that. But I can’t ask for a better team principal.”
Lando Norris accepting the 2023 Lorenzo Bandini Trophy joined by Andrea Stella pic.twitter.com/6qAKDjDGim
— McLaren News | (@McLarenF1_News) December 10, 2023
After bringing in major upgrades at the Austrian GP, McLaren saw a huge upturn in pace. The British GP solidified their developmental route. They even earned a double podium finish, and in the second half of the season, were arguably the second-fastest team behind Red Bull.
For 2024, however, battling with Ferrari and Mercedes isn’t enough. After showing what they’ve got in terms of pace and a foundation, Norris and Co. are eager to put the might of Red Bull to the test next season.
Lando Norris cautiously optimistic about 2024 title fight with Max Verstappen
Norris is tipped as a future world champion. That being said, it seems as though 2024 could finally be that year when the Briton’s potential is put to the ultimate test against Max Verstappen.
PlanetF1.com quoted the 23-year-old as saying, “For us to go from where we were in Bahrain to getting close and talking about fighting a Red Bull. I think are very good signs for us. We know we still have plenty more things to come next year. So I’m excited.”
“Oscar Piastri has really sharpened Lando Norris up”
With their strong driver liner-up, could we see more McLaren papaya on the podium in 2024? pic.twitter.com/Z9kglcCKB5
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) December 10, 2023
After the stunning job Stella pulled off in maneuvering the team’s fortunes, confidence is sky high at McLaren.
Norris added, “There’s no point thinking of it until next year. But I’ll be optimistic and I believe we can do it as a team,” while discussing a potential championship fight with the Bulls.
McLaren isn’t the only team looking to dethrone Red Bull. With Ferrari and Mercedes eyeing the crown, 2024 might provide one of the closest title battles in recent times.
