McLaren’s Lando Norris has vowed to “come back stronger” after a tough 2024 British Grand Prix.
Norris lost third to Max Verstappen at the Loop on the opening lap but managed to repass the Dutchman on Lap 15, and went on to catch and pass both Mercedes cars of George Russell then Lewis Hamilton in the following five laps to take the lead amidst the first of two mid-race rain showers.
McLaren however made the incorrect decision to gamble on pitting for soft slick tyres on Lap 40 as the track dried after a spell on intermediates, which saw the Brit undercut by eventual race winner – Hamilton who had also gone for the soft tyre and undercut Norris by pitting a lap earlier.
Norris however struggled with the tyre degradation of his soft tyres and lost second to Verstappen on hard tyres on Lap 48, which left him third at the checkered flag.
Speaking post-race a deflated Norris congratulated Mercedes and Hamilton for giving him a strong battle in an entertaining race.
“It was a tough race but very enjoyable. A big congratulations to Lewis Hamilton, he executed his race well, so hats off to him and Mercedes. It was a lot of fun battling these guys in these conditions, and you’re always on a knife-edge when you’re risking a lot.”
Norris had topped FP1 and FP2 plus was no lower than third at the end of each session across the whole weekend, which left the Brit optimistic despite wishing that he could of had the perfect weekend at his home race.
“We did many good things this weekend but there are also lots of things to review. This is the place I would love to have everything go perfectly and it just didn’t today – but it is still lovely to be on the podium here at Silverstone. We’ll come back stronger next race and next year and try again.”
McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella added that missing out on victory in an “intense” race had left “a bittersweet taste.”
Stella though took comfort from McLaren’s wet-weather pace despite failing to maximise their opportunities to convert that momentum into victory.
“I think we looked very strong when the rain started to fall, with both drivers moving to the front of the field. We then didn’t capitalise on that, and it looks like a missed opportunity. We’ll review the calls we made – some were good, others could have been better.
“Once again, it’s important that we’re in contention for podiums and victories, and perhaps today the difference was a matter of small details in the execution. Our pace across this triple-header has been encouraging, and we’re looking forward to future races.”
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