McLaren has officially put the clash between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in Canada behind them, focusing entirely on the Austrian Grand Prix. Both drivers express their excitement for the race weekend at the Red Bull Ring, a circuit where McLaren has fond memories. It was in Austria two years ago that the team brought several upgrades that subsequently transformed them into title contenders. ‘That weekend can be seen as a turning point in our journey to become world champions,’ concludes team boss Andrea Stella.
The clash between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in Canada was the moment both racing fans and McLaren had been waiting for. However, the battle for fourth place ended in tears for Norris. The Brit suffered damage during his failed overtaking attempt on his teammate and was unable to finish his race. Piastri still managed to finish fourth in Montreal. Two weeks later, McLaren shifts its focus to the next race, the Austrian Grand Prix, and no longer discusses the events in Montreal in the preview.
“I’m looking forward to racing in Austria again this week,” Norris begins. “I have many fond memories of the circuit. It’s also the start of another double header.” A week after the Grand Prix in Spielberg, Norris’ home race, the British Grand Prix, is on the schedule. “I’ve worked hard on preparations with the team and spent time in the factory with my engineers. Now it’s time to take that information to the track and achieve some strong results.”
Striving for Better
Oscar Piastri, teammate to Norris, is also not dwelling on the incident in Canada. “Last year, I finished second in Austria and the goal is to do even better this year,” the Australian driver shares. The championship leader crossed the finish line behind George Russell last year, following the collision between Norris and Max Verstappen. “I want to start this series of European races with a lead and attack throughout the weekend.”
Meanwhile, team boss Andrea Stella is looking forward to the Formula 1 debut of Alex Dunne. The Irish driver will take Lando Norris’s place in the first free practice session. “The Spielberg circuit has yielded a number of positive results for our team in recent years, particularly the competitive weekend we had there in 2023,” Stella says. “That weekend can be seen as a turning point in our journey to become world champions.”
Since the successful upgrades to the McLaren car two years ago, the team has taken over the dominant position in the field from Red Bull. However, McLaren prefers not to get ahead of itself. “We are almost halfway through the season and despite leading both championships, we take nothing for granted,” Stella continues. “That’s why it’s important that we go into the Austrian GP fully focused and aware of the competition from other teams fighting at the front of the grid.”
