McLaren’s Lando Norris has praised the team for producing an “amazing” car, which saw him finish second at 2023 British Grand Prix.
Norris fell 0.241 seconds short of pole in a surprise Qualifying performance which he thought was “pretty insane”, with teammate – Oscar Piastri only a further 0.131s behind in third which Norris added was “pretty amazing” for the rookie Australian.
McLaren’s shock Qualifying pace however successfully translated into race pace as Norris snatched the lead at the start from pole-sitter and eventual race winner, Max Verstappen who had to wait until Lap 5 to regain the lead.
Norris however managed to secure second on hard tyres after pitting under the Safety Car on Lap 34 as he fought off fellow Brit, Lewis Hamilton who had opted for the soft tyres as he jumped Piastri for an eventual third-placed finish.
Speaking post-race, Norris praised his team for their work to provide him with an upgraded aerodynamic package on home soil, as he said: “First of all, I just want to say a big thanks to the whole team: they’ve done an amazing job and none of this would be possible without the hard work that they’ve been putting in.”
The 23 year-old also acknowledged Hamilton and Verstappen for providing him with some fights in an otherwise quiet race, as he quipped: “It was an amazing fight with Lewis, to hold him off, and I brought the fight to Max for as long as possible.
“It’s a long, lonely race when you’re just in the middle but it’s amazing to be on the podium at my home race.”
Norris added that Piastri should of been on the podium if not for the Safety Car intervention, as he continued: “We should have had P2 and P3. Oscar did an amazing job all weekend, and he should have been P3 today without the Safety Car, so a shame, he deserved it.”
Norris’ performance didn’t go unnoticed as fellow Brit, George Russell congratulated him in a tweet.
Lando, well done mate, you deserve it! P5 today after unfortunate timing of the Safety Car, but great to have two Brits up there with LH on the podium and a strong team result overall. Thank you so much for all the home support, it’s been genuinely incredible. 💙🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/M0m1tH7Csj
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) July 9, 2023