Will McLaren be able to win the F1 Emilia Romagna GP for the second time in a row?
That’s certainly a goal, as the team looks to build on the momentum of Lando Norris’ first F1 win at the Miami Grand Prix. The team heads to Imola in solid third place, with a 60-point lead over third-placed Mercedes in the constructors’ championship standings. Although 63 points behind second-placed Ferrari, the team is still several miles ahead of where it was a season ago.
This will be Norris’ first F1 race as a Grand Prix winner.
“I’m heading to Imola as a race winner and I feel really good. It was amazing to go inside. [McLaren Technology Centre] (MTC) With the trophy in hand, everyone at the factory takes time out of their day to celebrate with us. ” Norris said during the team’s media preview.. “We’ve been through a lot together these past six years, but now we want to have more moments like this.”
However, it wasn’t all playtime for the McLaren driver, as Norris has been putting in quite a bit of effort in the MTC’s simulator in the lead-up to the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
“While at MTC, I was back in the sims preparing for this double header with the engineers. We now have our heads down and fully focused on the next race and how to improve further. “We’re working hard,” Norris added. “It’s been two years since I raced at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and I’m ready to go back again. This is one of my favorite races and I’m excited to race this iconic track in front of our amazing fans. I can’t wait to run again.”
Teammate Oscar Piastri still feels that the weekend in Miami was one of the strongest in F1, although he finished outside the points after sustaining damage in a collision with Carlos Sainz Jr.
“Next up is Imola! Even though we didn’t get the final result we wanted in Miami, it was one of the most productive weekends so far,” said Piastri. “It was great to celebrate with the team last week, but we all want more. This shows how far we have come.”
The second-year driver is set to make his F1 racing debut at Imola.
“This is my first Grand Prix at Imola. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to race there last year, but I’m very excited to be back in front of the fans and it’s going to be a good show for the fans. I hope we can show you that,” Piastri added. “I came back to the team for the engineering and simulation sessions and I feel very prepared. Hopefully I can bring home some good points for the team.”
Team principal Andrea Stella explained how success in Miami has fueled McLaren’s desire to aim for greater heights.
“After a great result in Miami, the team gathered in Woking to celebrate the hard work and dedication that got us this far. This does not mean our mission is over,” said Stella. . “This result helps reinvigorate our goal of continuously achieving wins and podiums and we will redouble our efforts.
“The team has now reset with an eye on the first European race of the year. Imola is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar and should be a good opportunity for us to continue adding up championship points. ”
McLaren will get a first crack at Imola during two practice sessions on Friday ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
