Lando Norris Will Be Excited For The Japanese GP

Ahead of the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix, the next fast approaching Formula 1 destination, several key narratives are likely to play out in the minds of the die hard fans as well as the teams and big decision makers.

Instances such as Fernando Alonso’s penalty that came as a big surprise (Australia) to many may likely still be discussed ahead. Similarly, to what extent will Williams have their chassis repaired (Sergeant) could also likely feature part of the media discussion in the hours building up to the Japanese Grand Prix.

And that said, there already are several names from the current grid doing rounds with regard to the future Red Bull seat that’ll be available upon 2024’s completion, a certain Carlos Sainz featuring among them.

But that is surely not all that’ll most likely form the key narrative in the events building up to the 2024 Japanese Grand Prix.

A big share of focus will likely rest with Lando Norris, the star McLaren driver as the Briton prepares for what could be an engaging battle at Suzuka.

And, truth be told, there are, two, if not more, reasons as to why Lando Norris may form a key focus of the soon-to-begin Japanese Grand Prix.

For starters, it is Lando Norris who, as seen most recently, notched up McLaren’s maiden podium of the season. It might have taken them three races to clock their first of this year, but what a fine podium it was for McLaren courtesy Lando Norris at the Albert Park street circuit (home to Australian Grand Prix).

While Oscar Piastri drove a decent race, Norris’s third, behind race winner Sainz and his teammate Leclerc formed the central highlight of McLaren’s race weekend at Australia. At one point, he was pressuring the holder of the track position for the lead of the race, however, it wasn’t to be.

How did Lando Norris fare the last time he visited Japan?

Ferrari’s race pace was significantly higher than that of McLaren, whose team principal Andrea Stella has maintained that the new upgrades, expected around May, could help add some important strides towards improving the car performance.

But here’s the other reason due to which Lando Norris, in particular, would be expecting an exciting race weekend up ahead in Japan.

It was last year at the very same venue where Lando Norris emerged with a heroic effort at Suzuka. Even though he finished some nineteen seconds off then race winner Max Verstappen, the McLaren driver’s second led the team’s charge at the demanding race track.

His teammate, the widely lauded Oscar Piastri would take third and thus, complete the podium places.

The notable effort at the 2023 Japanese Grand Prix would mark Lando Norris’s tenth career podium; his next ones came at Qatar, USA (Austin, COTA) and São Paulo.

And while he has contended most recently that Ferrari’s race pace at Suzuka could still be the significant determiner of just how might McLaren be impacted, Norris will be expected to pick up a strong fight with the Red cars.

Although, McLaren are battling Mercedes as far as the Constructor’s championship is concerned, in real, they can be expected to throw punches at just about anyone barring Red Bull. This includes the strong Aston Martin team, which surprisingly is yet to pick up a single podium this year with three races done.