After a disappointing Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren F1 Team drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Lando Norris will be looking to impress at the team’s home race, the British Grand Prix.
At the Hungaroring, Sainz was the only McLaren in the points, finishing in ninth place. After the one week break, the Spaniard expressed his happiness with the team’s consistency so far.
“After some sweet and sour moments during an intense first triple-header, we’ve had some extra time to review the first weekends and draw our conclusions more calmly,” Sainz said in a press release.
“We’ve analysed our strengths and weaknesses, and I can’t wait to drive this car on a third circuit with different challenges. Despite leaving some points on the table, overall it’s been a positive start to the season, finishing all three races in the top 10 and being consistent on track.
“Everyone in the team is pushing flat-out and we need to keep up the good work. I’m feeling recharged, prepared and ready to go again for another triple-header.”
At the 2019 British Grand Prix, Sainz finished sixth, fighting off Daniel Ricciardo in the final laps. Sainz hopes to repeat that performance at “one of his favourite tracks.”
“Silverstone always offers exciting moments and we’re going to miss the immense support of the McLaren fans very much there,” he said.
“Even if they aren’t at the track, they can be sure we’re going to give our best to secure a good result and make them proud.”
Not only is the British Grand Prix the team’s home race, but it’s also the home race for Lando Norris who, after finishing outside the points in thirteenth at Hungary, will look to fight in the top five again like he did at the Red Bull Ring.
Norris finished 11th in his first British Grand Prix appearance last year, and will be hoping to improve upon that and finish in the points.
“It’s great to be heading back to Silverstone for not one but two home races as we start the next triple-header,” Norris said in a press release.
“We’ve had the chance to reset and reflect on what we’ve learnt from our first three races of the season. I can’t wait to go racing again and want to ensure we maintain our progress going into the British Grand Prix.
“The track itself offers fast and exciting racing with great opportunities to overtake. We know the competition will be tough, but we’ve got to focus on ourselves, work hard and build on our promising start to the season.”
Norris also talked about how special a home race can be, even teasing a special helmet design for the race.
“My home race as an F1 driver is a very special occasion just like it was the first time around last year. Obviously, it’s going to be disappointing not to have the fans there, but for everyone’s safety the best experience is to watch it from home.”
“This weekend I’ll be running a very special helmet, following the competition I ran to design my home grand prix lid. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the reveal this week.”
Norris and Sainz are currently fourth and ninth respectively in the drivers’ championship, while the team sits in third place for the constructor’s championship. A strong finish this weekend could help the team grow a lead to BWT Racing Point Formula 1 Team in the constructors, and help keep both drivers in the top ten in points.
