McLaren is only two points behind Ferrari after six races, with the two teams enjoying different performances from track to track.
The Italian manufacturer appears to have an advantage in slow corners and over a lap in qualifying, as evidenced by Charles Leclerc’s consecutive pole positions in Monaco and Baku, while McLaren does better on the straights and high-speed corners.
While Ferrari has gained the upper hand in recent races, Norris believes its mistakes cost it to fully maximize the performance advantage it had.
“They’re very competitive in slow corners,” said Norris at the drivers’ press conference on the French Grand Prix on Thursday. “They can often be one of the best cars in the very slow corners. A couple of the tracks have matched them lately. I hope we can be a little more competitive this weekend, but they are getting better.
On the subject of matching items
“They’re always making improvements, just like us, and we’re trying to improve in every area. On Saturdays they were very quick. Charles got on pole twice. But then they made more mistakes and fought more on Sundays.
“We got some of it back there and looked a little stronger. The fact that the points continue on Sunday and not Saturday is good for us and is in our favor, but as a car they were usually quick in qualifying on Saturday. “
On the subject of matching items
It is noteworthy that Norris is the only driver on the grid who has scored points in each of the first six races, placing him fourth in the drivers’ standings ahead of Leclerc and Mercedes-Valtteri Bottas.
“That’s good for me and us as a team,” answered Norris when asked about his points run. “Especially from where we are with the designers; We’re very close to Ferrari, so things like that add up at the end of the season.
“Even if it’s a point or two, it can still make a huge difference, so it’s good. I do what I can. It depends, sometimes you want to take more risks and aim for a better position. But I also feel like I’ve made good decisions to be on the safe side sometimes and not to take too many risks.
“Like in Baku, I was 12th after the first lap and it doesn’t look so good. But I still came in fifth. That is good for me and us as a team. And that’s what we need to continue. “
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