Norris feels he's doing a better job than last year

Lando Norris feels his driving has improved this season, even though McLaren's sole victory so far came at the Hungarian Grand Prix, later than last year's campaign. The British driver is currently fifth in the overall standings, a substantial 91 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, as Formula One enters its August break.

Norris secured his fifth career win from pole position at the Hungaroring in his upgraded car. This victory follows his win in Hungary last year, which was his fifth win by that point in the 2023 season. Last year, Norris was second overall, trailing teammate Oscar Piastri, who had already won six races.

"I feel like I’m doing a better job this year than I was last year... It just doesn’t mean you win the races," Norris stated after his Hungarian Grand Prix win. "I certainly want to believe that we can continue it. This is maybe as good as it can look for now, but I certainly believe we can still win races."

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I feel like I’m doing a better job this year than I was last year... It just doesn’t mean you win the races. I certainly want to believe that we can continue it. This is maybe as good as it can look for now, but I certainly believe we can still win races.

While McLaren has more upgrades planned, rivals Mercedes and Ferrari have secured multiple wins this season. Max Verstappen's second-place finish in Hungary, following a similar result in Austria, indicates Red Bull's renewed competitiveness. This season's Hungarian victory marks Norris's third podium finish, adding to his second-place in Miami and third in Barcelona.

Team boss Andrea Stella praised Norris's development, noting his improved confidence and emotional control. "Lando is much more confident. I think he's much more aware of his tools that he has in his driving. How to deploy those tools. And I think he's also, let me say, more in control of his emotions," Stella said. He highlighted Norris's composed performance when behind teammate Oscar Piastri during the race, demonstrating his ability to manage pace and secure the win.

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Lando is much more confident. I think he's much more aware of his tools that he has in his driving. How to deploy those tools. And I think he's also, let me say, more in control of his emotions.