Norris Questions Impact of Brazil Upgrades on Struggling McLaren
Lando Norris admits McLaren’s new parts for the São Paulo Grand Prix may not instantly fix the car’s handling woes.
McLaren’s lead driver Lando Norris has voiced doubts that the team’s latest aerodynamic upgrades will instantly transform a car he described as "horrible" ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Speaking to Sky Sports on Friday, Norris said the new components – introduced for the weekend’s race at Interlagos – are a step forward but he remains uncertain whether they will resolve the handling issues that have plagued the team all season.
Upgrades and the current state of the car
McLaren brought a revised front wing, revised bargeboards and a revised rear diffuser to the circuit, aiming to improve front‑end grip and reduce the high‑frequency oscillations that have made the MCL60 difficult to drive. Norris, who has struggled to extract pace from the car in recent rounds, described the baseline chassis as "horrible" in terms of balance, noting that even on a track with a mix of high‑speed straights and slow corners, the car feels unsettled.
"We’ve got some upgrades, but I’m not sure they’ll magically turn the car into a front‑runner," Norris said. "It’s a work in progress and we’ll see how it feels in the paddock and on the track tomorrow." His teammate Oscar Piastri has not publicly commented on the upgrades yet, but the pair will have limited time to test the changes before qualifying on Saturday.
Implications for the championship battle
McLaren currently sit sixth in the Constructors’ standings, trailing the top five by a combined 70 points. A strong result in Brazil could be crucial for keeping the team in the hunt for a top‑five finish, especially as Red Bull and Ferrari continue to dominate. However, the Brazilian circuit is notoriously demanding on car stability, and any lingering handling problems could see McLaren slip further down the order.
For Indian fans, the São Paulo Grand Prix will be broadcast live on FanCode with commentary in English and Hindi. The race weekend kicks off with practice on Friday (IST 02:00 – 04:00), qualifying on Saturday (IST 02:00 – 03:00) and the Grand Prix on Sunday (IST 04:30). Norris’s candid remarks add an extra layer of intrigue for viewers hoping to see whether the upgrades can deliver a surprise podium or at least a points‑scoring finish.
Source: Sky Sports