Lando Norris understands that he can make a significant stride towards the world title in Las Vegas. However, he also knows that it might be more challenging than anticipated. “Things will be different here compared to the previous races.”
This doesn’t mean that the Englishman, who is leading in the World Championship, arrived in the American city with trembling knees. The McLaren car is still performing excellently, as demonstrated in Brazil and Mexico, for instance. However, the victories and substantial points earned there were so impressive that it might be hard to match in Las Vegas. The ‘low-downforce’ aspect of the circuit traditionally doesn’t suit the McLaren vehicle, which partly explains Norris’ caution. “I still have confidence, just a bit less than in the previous race.”
With a 24-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri and 49 over Max Verstappen, Norris can nonetheless take another significant step towards the world title. After the Las Vegas Grand Prix, there are two more weekends to go: those in Qatar (with a sprint race) and Abu Dhabi. He doesn’t let it get to him, he says. “I still take it race by race, as I have done all season. And I will continue to do so until the end.”
Norris believes he has grown mentally. “At the beginning of the season, I had problems with the car. But even when things don’t go well, I now know how to fight back. With help from the people around me, that also plays a part. However, I know how to handle a bad session for myself, I know I can turn it around and still show what I can do. That gives me confidence.”
