Red Bull Gains Ground as Norris Expresses Concern Over Unpredictable Car Performance in Austin
AUSTIN, TX – McLaren driver Lando Norris acknowledged Red Bull’s increasing pace during practise and the sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas, voicing apprehension about the handling of his own car ahead of sunday’s United States Grand Prix. Championship leader Max Verstappen also reported improvements to his Red Bull, suggesting a tightening competition as the Formula 1 season nears its conclusion.
Norris observed Red Bull’s consistent strength over the past month, noting Verstappen’s ability to maximize the car’s potential. He stated, “They have been vrey strong and consistent for a month or two. max is getting the most out of it. They have closed the gap to us. That will remain the case in the coming months.” This advancement is important as mclaren has recently challenged Red Bull’s dominance, and the narrowing gap raises the stakes for the final races of the season. The outcome of the remaining grands prix will determine the constructors’ championship and possibly influence driver strategies for 2024.
The McLaren driver further revealed instability with his car in the windy conditions of Austin, describing it as “very unpredictable.” He expressed uncertainty about its performance in the race, saying, “I have no idea what we are getting into tommorow. We hoped to learn a lot in the sprint.well, that didn’t go according to plan.There are a lot of question marks.”
Verstappen,simultaneously occurring,indicated satisfaction with the progress made to his Red Bull. “It went well. The car was a step further compared to Friday,” he saeid. The team’s adjustments following the sprint race appeared successful, improving the car’s feel. However, Verstappen remained cautious, adding, “The setup changes after the sprint race seem to work. It feels better, but I have no idea if it will be enough to win tomorrow.”
