“When it came to ’21 and ’22, we couldn’t involve him” – Lando Norris has suggested Carlos Sainz wasn’t involved in the discussion of McLaren’s future plans after his switch to Ferrari was confirmed.
McLaren had a very promising 2020 season, finishing P3 against all odds, which included a season-opening podium for Lando Norris. The odds included financial stability which could have resulted in them not participating in the season at all.
Both Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz put in stupendous performances, without being too extravagant. Norris, in just his second year in the team, played second fiddle to the much senior Carlos Sainz. Their chemistry was there to be seen, both on and off-track. Norris was talking to GPFans about the team dynamic changes expected now that Daniel Ricciardo is his new partner.
“There were times throughout last year – more towards the middle and latter part – when I kind of took on that role. There were a lot more debriefs and things that were led by myself, rather than Carlos, taking the car more in the direction I wanted it to be improved and thinking ahead to the future.
“Obviously, there were a lot of meetings that didn’t include Carlos. When it came to ’21 stuff and ’22, we couldn’t involve him because he was moving to another team.
“So I think that will happen a little more this year, leading the debriefs a little bit more and bringing the ideas and my experience of working with McLaren to the table.”
