Norris dismisses Red Bull's 'trick' regarding trades at the United States Grand Prix
McLaren's Lando Norris (24) expressed a sense of calm and confidence on Thursday as he prepared for the upcoming United States Grand Prix, indicating that he did not anticipate any decline in performance from rivals Red Bull following the adjustments made to their vehicles.
The championship-winning team acknowledged that modifications had been implemented after discussions with the sport's governing body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA), which reportedly focused on a "trick" mechanism designed to regulate the ride height of their cars.
Red Bull has refuted claims of utilizing such a device.
Norris remarked, "It's one thing to have it on your car, and another to actually use it," noting that he trails Red Bull's three-time world champion Max Verstappen by 52 points with six races left in the season.
Verstappen aims to break an eight-race winless streak in the upcoming event at the Circuit of the Americas.
"If it has indeed been beneficial for them and they have been employing it as speculated, then perhaps it could alter the competitive landscape. However, it is important to recognize that their success in securing multiple pole positions and victories cannot solely be attributed to such a device," Norris stated.
"Thus, I do not believe it will significantly impact the overall situation—perhaps only in qualifying scenarios where margins are measured in hundredths or thousandths of a second. In those instances, one might consider whether this has influenced the outcome."
The topic has generated considerable discussion within the Austin paddock, with many suggesting that the concern revolves around the potential use of a device to adjust a car's ride height during the parc fermé period between qualifying and the race.
In response, the FIA issued a statement affirming, "While we have not received any evidence of any team utilizing such a system, we remain vigilant in our continuous efforts to enhance the oversight of the sport."
It is important to note that teams are prohibited from making setup changes between qualifying and the race.
A representative from Red Bull stated that while the component in question does exist, it becomes inaccessible once the vehicle is completely assembled and prepared for operation. In our communications with the FIA, this issue was addressed, and we have established a plan for future actions.
Regarding his outlook for the upcoming triple-header of races in Texas, Mexico, and Brazil, Norris remarked that their current expectations, which have been consistent for some time, are to be regarded as a top team competing for victories, as well as for both the constructors' and drivers' championships.
He added that just as there are opportunities for setbacks, there are also chances for success, as has been the case for their team. Competing against the best in the field has made this year enjoyable, and he believes that, regardless of the outcomes, it has still been a successful season.
SportsLigue