Norris Criticises McLaren MCL40’s Handling on First Day of Austin Practice

During the opening practice session at the Circuit of the Americas, Lando Norris was candid about the challenges he faced with the McLaren MCL40. Per Formula1.com, the British driver admitted that the car’s handling was “very difficult” to maximise, even though it showed promising pace. Norris said the MCL40’s behaviour was unpredictable, making it hard to set a consistent rhythm on the track.

McLaren’s new car has been a focal point of discussion since its debut. The MCL40 was designed with a more aggressive aerodynamic package and a revised suspension layout, aiming to improve downforce and cornering speed. However, Norris’s comments suggest that the balance between the front and rear of the car was still a work in progress. He noted that while the car was quick in straight‑line sections, the handling in high‑speed corners was inconsistent, which made it difficult to extract the full potential of the power unit.

In the broader context of the 2024 season, McLaren’s performance has been a mix of highs and lows. The team’s recent results at the British Grand Prix saw the MCL40 finish 4th and 7th, a respectable showing but still short of the podium finishes the team hopes for. Norris’s feedback is therefore crucial for the engineering team as they fine‑tune the car’s setup for the upcoming races, especially the high‑downforce circuits where handling precision is paramount.

For Indian fans, the next major race is the Indian Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit, scheduled for September 29. The race will be available to stream on FanCode, with live commentary in Hindi and English. Fans can tune in at 9:30 PM IST, which is 4:00 PM UTC, to catch the action live. McLaren’s performance in Austin will be closely watched as the team prepares for the home race, where the MCL40’s handling will be tested on a high‑downforce track that mirrors many of the challenges seen in Austin.

Source: Formula1.com