McLaren faces handling challenges at US Grand Prix

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri struggled with the handling and consistency of the MCL40 during practice sessions at the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Despite introducing a new upgrade package designed to fine-tune performance, the team reported difficulties in maintaining stability, particularly in slow corners.

Lando Norris described the car as being on a “knife edge,” noting that it requires extreme concentration and mental effort to drive effectively. While Norris finished seventh in the second practice session, McLaren CEO Zak Brown and Chief Technical Officer Rob Marshall suggested the results were misleading. They noted that Norris showed strong pace in the first two sectors of his best lap before making a mistake in the third, and that the team’s true potential remains close to rivals like Ferrari and Mercedes.

The technical upgrades brought to Austin were primarily intended as test items to provide measurable aerodynamic and weight distribution benefits. While the team expressed optimism regarding the data collected, the primary focus remains on making the car more predictable and easier to drive to ensure consistent performance during qualifying and the race.