Motivation is Lando Norris’ new mantra. Currently third in the drivers’ championship, the McLaren racer aims high and at the same time doesn’t forget to remain humble and with his feet on the ground.

 

In Canada he scored his fifth successive podium, but he could have won. This gives him an extra motivation as the F1 circus enters in the busy European season with a triple header. The target is to keep the momentum for three races in a row and try to  score another win.

 

How do you face the Spanish GP?

“It’s great to be back in Europe after a successful Canadian GP. We were close to another win, but I’m happy to get another podium and important points for the team. We need to keep the momentum, fighting for wins, and it makes me really excited for the rest of the season. We know we’ve got a little bit of work to do to ensure we’re winning more regularly, but we’re moving in the right direction”.

 

The atmosphere is very special at Montmelo, what about the circuit?

“I like Barcelona and the atmosphere with the fans is great. The track has its challenges with a real mix of slow and high-speed corners, but I think we’re in a good position to maximise our performance and get the most out of the car.”

 

Looking back at the last 3 races, do you think you have a car to fight consistently for the positions that count?

“We could have won also in Canada, so I think we have to look at the positive. We are fresh of consecutive bad seasons, so we need to acknowledge the progress we have made and remind us how bad we were vs how we are now, because somehow it is easy to forget. Knowing that we can potentially win the race is a great motivation for the whole team. Looking also at the Canadian GP, knowing that we could have won, it is very encouraging”.

 

It takes more than a very good car to win consistently, to compete at the very top all the time.

“For sure. if we look at Max Verstappen in Montreal, for example, he was the most consistent, he and the team are the ones who made the less mistakes. with the Safety Car we should have boxed, instead we lost the lead. George (Russell) had the quickest car, but he made a couple of mistakes. When the cars are more similar in terms of pace, the strategy is crucial, so of course the whole package counts”.

 

What can be improved?

“There is a lot of stuff that we did better than other teams, but at the same time we made some mistakes. Speaking about the last GP, it was a tricky weekend. it was not easy to understand what the weather was doing and how it would have changed, so decision making and understanding the situation were fundamental. It was easy to make the wrong decision. Of course, things change when you are fighting for the win, there is more pressure. What can we improve? small things here and there but I think it comes with the time and the experience.”.

 

What are your expectations?

“to continue fighting and being consistent. I’m happy with myself and the team and confident of how we face this new weekend.

We have taken on board the lesson learned  in Canada,  we did the whole review, it was a tricky decision and I think we should have been more prepared  it was from my side to, and also from team side, but as I said I’m happy and  confident.

 

How do you see the battle for the title?

“Max (Verstappen) is strong in all areas. Now that Mercedes is also in the fight, we could have more swing of points. but we know that when Max makes a bad weekend, he also makes a lot points. From our side, we need to be in the front capitalize every possible situation and to keep on working to have a quicker car”.