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Lando Norris believes that McLaren can challenge at Red Bull in qualifying at some events later this year.
McLaren has been able to get the better of Pierre Gasly on a number of occasions, who has struggled to get up to speed with Red Bull.
MORE: Sainz: Renault battle shows McLaren's strong progress | Norris had 'fun' battling Hamilton on opening lap
Norris understands that Red Bull has displayed much stronger race pace than the Woking squad, but is confident that it is digging into the gap the energy drink squad currently boasts.
"Maybe some places, Monza maybe," Norris said when asked if McLaren can challenge Red Bull. "I don't know, on average we're getting a little bit closer.
"But I'm pretty sure in the race pace we're a long way away from them. In qualifying, maybe we can have some attempts.
"They're still the much quicker car, maybe not altogether the best car but their car is much quicker than ours in the corners.
"In the race, they have better tyre wear and their race pace is better. They're losing in the straights and some tracks that will be highlighted than others."
Norris has enjoyed a strong start to his rookie season, matching his best result of the year last time out in Austria by crossing the line in sixth place.
The Briton has also shown some strong speed in qualifying, as he has managed to get his car inside the top six at the last two events.
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (6)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
With emphasis on could, methinks. The car itself looks decent in qualy and good in race, but the RBH looks more racy. That aside, compared to Gasly both McLarens look more convincing.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I think that if we're talking about Gasly, absolutely. Mclaren have already outqualified him. But this says more about Pierre than about Mclaren. Don't get me wrong, McLaren is on a great trajectory, but all you have to do is look at Max to notice how far ahead RBR are. Gasly is just pathetic. I don't envision any qualis were either Lando or Carlos outqualify Max.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Completely agree. They have showed more than once that they can both outqualy and outrace him, and as you say, this is down to skill rather than poor tools. The RBH seem to struggle with tyres, but a good driver can circumvent this, and he should by now be able to just blast past cars like the STRs or such, yet he kinda doesn't.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I could however see one of them (either one) outquali Max during freak circumstances. Y'know, a botched lap, traffic, or them getting some really good tow, or them using a faster compound, but I'd say most of those occasions would cost them, come Sunday.
abhidbgt
Posts: 283
RBH struggle with tyres? Maybe over one lap but certainly not when it comes to race distance.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Agreed. A part of Verstappen being in a different league than the McLaren drivers there is the issue of Honda. Renault has only brought one big upgrade to the track whereas the Honda progress has almost been linear. Their performance is increasing almost every race. For sure they will have to take a penalty before the end but the performance gain will outpace that of Renault.