Monaco GP: Lando Norris explains why McLaren and Ferrari can problem Purple Bull for 2024 F1 title | F1 Information

Lando Norris believes McLaren having two vehicles frequently on the entrance of the grid will help them take the struggle to Purple Bull within the remaining a part of the 2024 F1 season.

Norris has been Max Verstappen’s closest challenger on the final three races, ending second in China, then profitable his first F1 race in Miami and got here inside eight tenths of victory final outing in Imola.

McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri is but to complete on the rostrum this yr but additionally confirmed robust tempo in Miami and Imola, affected by misfortune at each occasions.

Norris is fourth within the Drivers’ Championship, 60 factors behind Verstappen and McLaren are third within the Constructors’ Standings, 114 factors adrift of Purple Bull forward of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix – reside on Sky Sports activities F1.

The British driver named Ferrari as one other crew with two aggressive drivers on the entrance however not Purple Bull.

“If issues flip round, we are able to simply begin coming again in the direction of the groups, particularly as a result of we’re the crew, together with Ferrari, the place now we have two vehicles performing up there in each single session,” stated Norris.

“For those who take a look at loads of the grid, they do not actually have that. They’ve one man who places in a mega lap, then has a great race, then one other one not a lot. Considered one of our strengths is now we have two vehicles up there and we are able to struggle nicely, together with Ferrari. If we maintain doing that, we are able to keep in it.”

Verstappen additionally thinks the title race can “flip round fairly rapidly” if McLaren and Norris begin profitable persistently, admitting the sphere has closed up.

Norris, who completed on the rostrum on the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, is not ruling out a title struggle this yr.

“I am 60 factors behind Max. It is a lengthy approach to go. I am undoubtedly not desirous about it [the championship]. You consider getting a great consequence and issues simply play out for themselves,” he continued.

“We undoubtedly put ourselves in there, in order that harm us however we’re solely a 3rd of the best way via. There are many alternatives for us and now we have some issues coming sooner or later.

Norris not altering strategy

For the reason that center of final yr, McLaren have loved an upturn in type because the center of final yr, with Piastri and Norris scoring 9 podiums from the 2023 British Grand Prix onwards.

After a barely disappointing begin to this yr, McLaren introduced an improve to the Miami Grand Prix which seems to have put them on par with Purple Bull.

Norris, who’s in his sixth F1 marketing campaign, says his mindset isn’t any totally different regardless that he is preventing on the entrance.

“For me, I am going out and do the identical factor. Qualifying is identical. Whether or not you’re within the tenth greatest automobile or no matter, you at all times have that hope and drive as rapidly as you possibly can. Whether or not it is for first, tenth or twentieth, it is the identical strategy that I’ve,” he defined.

“It places somewhat extra strain on everybody as a result of that one small mistake could be a bit extra expensive. I am nonetheless relaxed, nonetheless excited to have one other crack at it and see what we are able to ship.

“Mentally the strategy does not change. It is most likely extra thrilling. I sit up for it extra as a result of I’ve a greater probability of being on the rostrum or profitable a race, so it makes me extra excited and a bit extra hungry.

“The strategy of simply driving does not change for me or the individuals I work with. Regular is excellent.”

Norris: Every part to play for in Monaco

McLaren’s greatest weak spot in 2024 has been the slow-speed corners however they’re nonetheless hopeful to do nicely in Monaco as a result of they’ll set the automobile up purely for the tight turns.

Norris thinks they primarily wrestle in slower corners on tracks which additionally characteristic medium and high-speed corners, so ought to nonetheless be aggressive this weekend.

“Monaco’s one of many ones you wish to win. I am hopeful we are able to have a great consequence and over the previous couple of weeks now we have been much more aggressive by way of preventing with Ferrari and Purple Bull,” stated the the 24-year-old.

“As a result of it is so totally different, it will possibly go by some means. Every part is to play for and since it is such a small observe, different groups may very well be up there as nicely, like Mercedes or Aston Martin. Particularly in Qualifying, you make one or two tenths mistake and that is an enormous loss, which may mess up your entire weekend.

“It is shut, so we simply concentrate on doing our job as a result of now we have been doing a great job to date.”

Sky Sports activities F1’s reside Monaco GP and Indy 500 schedule

Friday Could 24
10am: F3 Qualifying
12pm: Monaco GP Follow One (session begins at 12.30pm)*
2pm: F2 Qualifying*
3.45pm: Monaco GP Follow Two (session begins at 4pm)*
5.30pm: The F1 Present
6.30pm: Indy 500 Last Follow
8.30pm: Indy 500 Pit Cease Problem

Saturday Could 25
9.40am: F3 Dash
11.15am: Monaco GP Follow Three (session begins at 11.30am)*
1.10pm: F2 Dash*
2.15pm: Monaco GP Qualifying build-up*
3pm: Monaco GP Qualifying*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Pocket book

Sunday Could 26
6.55am: F3 Characteristic Race
8.35am: F2 Characteristic Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Monaco GP build-up*
2pm: The MONACO GRAND PRIX*
4pm: Chequered Flag: Monaco GP response
5pm: Ted’s Pocket book
5.30pm: The Indy 500

*additionally reside on Sky Sports activities Major Occasion

It is time for the most-famous F1 race of all of them – the Monaco Grand Prix. Watch each session from the well-known road circuit from Friday reside on Sky Sports activities F1, with Sunday’s race at 2pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime