Lando Norris, British driver, raced for McLaren in the MCL38 car during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, on May 18, 2024. The head of the McLaren Formula 1 team, Andrea Stella, revealed that the team had achieved greater benefits than expected with the recent updates introduced in Miami. The team implemented a significant upgrade package in the previous race, which played a crucial role in Norris’ first Grand Prix victory. Following this, Oscar Piastri also received the remaining revised parts he needed, leading to a strong performance from the McLaren duo in qualifying, with both drivers securing second and third positions. They finished less than a tenth of a second behind Max Verstappen’s pole position lap time, although Piastri was later penalized for impeding Kevin Magnussen and dropped three positions on the grid. Despite Norris’s belief that the improvements would result in even better results this weekend, Stella acknowledged that the team’s progress had exceeded expectations. He stated: “In terms of competitiveness, we are quite pleased with our performance. We did not expect to be so close to Red Bull. The updates certainly provided better lap times, as we were previously several tenths slower than Red Bull’s pace. In Japan, we were six tenths behind. We were a bit closer in China, but we were still not at the same level, at least in terms of a single lap. So, in terms of lap time, we made significant improvements.” Stella further added: “We had an idea of how much the updates would contribute based on simulations, but on track it seems like we gained a bit more. It’s almost as if there is an extra advantage when the car performs better.”
Verstappen was struggling with the balance of his Red Bull car during practice, but some adjustments to the setup and a slipstream from Nico Hulkenberg helped him secure pole position. However, while he acknowledged that the increase in top speed may have played a role in his success, Stella also noted that other factors could influence a tight battle. “You know, on a track like this, getting a slipstream can happen,” he admitted. “He was a bit lucky in that sense. I also believe he made a mistake in the final corner. So, Verstappen was in a position to claim pole today. The differences between the drivers are so small that it may not have been just a matter of car performance and driver skill. It could have been influenced by various factors, like a gust of wind or finding the right slipstream at the right moment. He may have benefited from these factors, but I still believe he deserves to be on pole position. At the same time, we were also in a position to claim pole. However, with such small differences, many variables are at play.” Stella also emphasized that Ferrari cannot be ruled out of the fight for victory, as they led two free practice sessions and showed promising race pace. “Overall, we hope to never find ourselves in a situation where we take unnecessary risks,” Stella stated. “We try to make logical and strategic decisions to maximize our results. It is worth noting that the straight to turn two here is one of the longest of the season. Therefore, the starting position on the grid may not necessarily reflect the position at the end of the first lap. We will see. Overall, there are strategic options available, as the hard tires can last a long time. You can make an early pit stop and opt for a longer stint, using the undercut. Or you can choose a later stop and potentially have to overtake other drivers, but with newer tires. So, there are some possibilities. We will see. But the most important thing is to have the pace and be in a position to take advantage of these options. Tomorrow, we will see how the race unfolds. I still believe Ferrari is very competitive. Some lap times from Leclerc during practice, especially in his long run, were quite impressive to us. So, if he can replicate those lap times, we will not only have to focus on Verstappen, but also consider Ferrari as a strong contender.”
© 2024
The future looks bright for the world of sports in 2024. With major sporting events scheduled to take place throughout the year, fans are eager to see their favorite teams and athletes in action.
One of the most anticipated events is the FIFA World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. With teams from around the world competing for the title, the games promise to be exciting and full of talent. Soccer fans can’t wait to see the sports stars showcase their skills on the field.
Furthermore, the 2024 Olympics are also on the horizon. The city of Paris will host the event, and athletes from all disciplines will be competing for gold. The Olympic Games always bring inspiring stories of overcoming challenges and dedication, and this year will be no different.
In the world of motorsports, Formula 1 continues to be one of the most thrilling and popular competitions. With talented drivers and competitive teams, the races promise to be full of adrenaline and exciting overtakes. Speed fans are eager to see who will be crowned this year’s champion.
Additionally, basketball fans also have a lot to look forward to in 2024. The NBA remains a dominant league, with amazing players and competitive teams. The NBA playoffs are always a spectacle, with intense and thrilling games.
In the world of tennis, the Grand Slams are must-see events for sports fans. With talented players and intense matches, the Grand Slam tournaments are always exciting to watch. Fans are eager to see who will win the titles of the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and US Open this year.
In summary, the world of sports in 2024 promises to be full of excitement and competition. With high-level sports events happening throughout the year, fans will have many opportunities to cheer for their favorite teams and athletes. Get ready for a year full of action and unforgettable moments in the world of sports.
