F1 News: McLaren Team Chief On Lando Norris - "Don’t Want A Driver Who Doesn’t Have Strong Drive"

“We are here to win races. I don’t want a driver who doesn’t have this strong drive," said Andrea Stella

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed that driver Lando Norris and the team are uncomfortable about the fact that they haven't been able to secure a Grand Prix win through the entirety of the 2023 season. 

McLaren started with several challenges in the early stages of the season but, during the second half, it emerged as one of the most successful teams with significant developments to the MCL60 which helped Norris and his teammate rookie driver Oscar Piastri earn points through several podium finishes.

Although the British driver secured seven podiums during the 2023 season, Max Verstappen's dominant season prevented him from taking the top step on the podium. As a result, Norris now holds the record of the most podium finishes without a Grand Prix win. 

McLaren Press Image

When asked by Formula 1 if the wait for a win was affecting Norris, Stella explained: 

“There’s a diplomatic political answer, which is: no, I don’t think it’s affecting him. But I’d rather stay away from it and say these drivers want to win races.

“I’d rather accept the fact we haven’t put Lando in the conditions to do it yet. This is not a comfortable place. We can try and cope, but it’s not comfortable for Lando and it’s not comfortable for us. I’d rather start from accepting this, and work the best way to making this possible, rather than almost pretend that it doesn’t make any difference.

“We are here to win races. I don’t want a driver who doesn’t have this strong drive. If this makes him uncomfortable and makes us uncomfortable, we accept it. It’s going to be extra determination to create the conditions to win races.”

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British driver Lando Norris has rapidly become a name to watch since his debut with McLaren at the 2019 Australian Grand Prix. Norris, known for his precise driving style reminiscent of former F1 World Champion Jenson Button, has shown remarkable consistency and technical prowess in his time on the track. With 104 starts to his name, Norris has firmly established himself as a mainstay in the F1 paddock.

Norris' record, while lacking a grand prix victory, is nonetheless impressive. His tally stands at 13 podium finishes and a pole position, alongside a commendable total of 633 points. With 6 fastest laps already to his credit, Norris continues to hone his craft, each race bringing him closer to the elusive first win.