The Singapore and Japan legs of the formula 1 championship have been the hosts to some thrilling races but there is one team who has taken the biggest advantage from rounds 16 and 17. In the last 2 weeks McLaren have scored 3 podiums and 57 points with Oscar Piastri also achieving his first F1 podium!
Sensational Singapore!
Lando Norris started the race 4th on the grid but after an intense race and some teamwork with former teammate Carlos Sainz, he came 2nd, equalling his previous best result in Formula 1. Piastri started the race down in 17th but after an enormous effort and some efficient strategy with pit stops, he raced his way up into 7th by the time the chequered flag came out.
Spectacular Suzuka!
The Suzuka circuit hosted Piastri’s first front row start in Formula 1 as he lined up in P2 alongside Verstappen on pole. Norris started close behind in P3, making an excellent start at lights out while Verstappen focused on Piastri. McLaren held their own making good decisions and taking advantage of the safety car resulting in a double podium at the end of the race! Norris came home in 2nd with Piastri in 3rd, adding two further trophies to the cabinet back at the McLaren Technology Centre.
For a team who started the season with two 0-point races, McLaren have come along way. Lando Norris has equalled his record of 4 podiums in a season and with six rounds left of the 2023 season there is potential for more if McLaren can keep up the momentum from the previous races.
McLaren have stated part of the reason for their newfound success is the work the drivers have been putting in to improve their race and start line statistics. Norris has been working hard recently with his start line engineer to improve his inputs and feet to get a better jump off the line. The hard work has certainly been seen this season in his hard battles at the front of the grid and the places he is making up on lap 1. McLaren have continuously worked hard to bring upgrades to the car to try and catch up with the leading teams and have a focus already on developing their 2024 car to be more competitive.
Do you think McLaren can keep up the good work for another podium in 2023? Leave your thought is the comments below!
Written by Cesca.
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