After a rollercoaster 2023 F1 season that saw the Woking-based team finish fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, they are hoping for improvement with their newly revealed 2024 contender, the MCL38. The previous season got off to a rough start for the British team, only scoring 17 points in the first eight races. However, upgrades made to the MCL60 from the Austrian Grand Prix onwards propelled McLaren up the rankings, making them regular contenders for podium finishes in the latter part of the year. They managed to edge out Aston Martin for fourth place, although their performance declined as the season came to a close.
Oscar Piastri, Norris’ teammate, made a strong impression in his debut year in Formula 1, securing a victory in the Sprint race during the Qatar Grand Prix weekend. Norris himself finished the season in sixth place in the Drivers’ Standings, earning 205 points and achieving a total of nine podium finishes. However, he has higher aspirations for 2024. Can he finally clinch his first F1 win and help McLaren challenge the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari for the Constructors’ title?
The 24-year-old will be the first to test the MCL38 on the Silverstone Circuit today. In McLaren’s launch press release, he expressed his excitement about getting behind the wheel of the new car and seeing how it performs. Norris also praised the livery of the car, finding it enjoyable to be out on the track. He is eagerly anticipating the car’s shakedown in Bahrain and has full confidence in the team’s ability to build on last season’s progress. The true test of their advancements will come during testing, qualifying, and racing for the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Norris expressed his gratitude to the hardworking personnel both on the circuit and at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, for their efforts in preparing the car for the upcoming season. He has been working extensively with his engineering team on the simulator at the MTC to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Norris thanked everyone involved in the process and is looking forward to getting to Bahrain and returning to racing.
Teams and fans will have a better understanding of Norris and McLaren’s true pace when pre-season testing begins at the Bahrain International Circuit from 21-23 February. This will be followed by the opening race of the season, the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix, on 2 March.
According to the Source grandprix247.com