The 2024 Formula 1 season represented a turning point for McLaren and Lando Norris. The British driver achieved the first victory of his career in Miami, but his streak of success was interrupted with that Grand Prix, despite the several opportunities he had in the subsequent races. Precisely for this reason Norris does not hide a certain regret for some wasted opportunities.
With ten races still to go, Norris and McLaren have everything it takes to continue chasing the dream of a world title, both in the drivers' and builders. But as this first half of the season has shown, every detail can make a difference, and the ability to learn from your mistakes could be the key to achieving success.
Missed opportunity in three crucial matches
In an interview released a RacingNews365, Lando Norris listed three races in the first part of the 2024 season where, in his opinion, he could have done more: Hungary, Canada and Silverstone. “From a competitive point of view, there were definitely moments in which I would have liked to do better and that I would like to rewind – explained Norris – not as many as you might think, but certainly some. Probably Hungary, Canada and Silverstone." The British driver then specified that, in Canada, Mercedes had an amazing race pace, and despite the possibility of fighting for victory, in the end they failed to capitalize on that opportunity.
Norris' words are not only a technical analysis of his performances, but also a reflection on how thin the line is between success and disappointment in such a competitive championship. “Even at Silverstone I lost the chance to fight for the victory because I was much slower than Lewis Hamilton. As I said then, even if I had entered the track after the final pit stops ahead of Lewis, I still wouldn't have won the race,” he added. Norris later admitted that his less than perfect starts in Spain and Hungary potentially cost him two victories, a regret that weighs more than the missed opportunities in Canada or Silverstone.
A positive balance sheet but with room for improvement
Norris' season has been characterized by ups and downs, but the overall balance remains extremely positive. McLaren has made great strides compared to previous years, positioning itself as one of the most competitive teams in 2024. After the victory in Miami, Norris collected another seven podiums, demonstrating a consistency of performance that led him to occupy second position in the drivers' standings, with a gap of 78 points from leader Max Verstappen.
Despite some difficulties, such as errors at the start and the challenges encountered at circuits such as Silverstone and Canada, Norris has shown a great capacity for self-criticism and an unwavering determination to improve. “Overall, I feel like I'm a better driver this year than last year. This is the most important thing for me,” he concluded. Her words reflect a growing maturity and awareness of her own abilities, elements that could prove decisive in the second half of the season.
