Zak Brown says McLaren ‘not shocked’ by Lando Norris’ monstrous 22-second Dutch GP win over Max Verstappen

McLaren driver Lando Norris finally ended its winless streak since Miami with a clean sweep of the Dutch Grand Prix. Following the win, team CEO, Zak Brownpraised Norris.

Lando Norris has been one of the most consistent drivers of the season. The 24-year-old has accumulated 225 points so far, but has been unlucky in terms of victories. However, Norris showed exceptional determination throughout the just-concluded Dutch GP weekend to win by a margin of 22 seconds over Max Verstappen.

Zak Brown believes the improvements made to the MCL38 were the key factor in the Briton’s victory. Brown also said the Woking-based team must remain persistent if they are to challenge for the title this year.

It was a big gap but we knew we were fast all weekend so I'm not shocked, just pleasantly surprised by the size of the gap. I think the upgrades clearly worked, but we need to keep our feet on the ground and not assume that will be a repeat every weekend. 

Zak Brown said after the Dutch GP

Zak Brown: “It was a big gap but we knew we were fast all weekend so I’m not shocked, just pleasantly surprised by the size of the gap. I think the improvements have clearly worked but we need to keep our feet on the ground and not assume it’s going to happen every weekend.”

– Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) August 25, 2024

Norris’ victory at Zandvoort reduced his lead over leader Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship to 70 points and he will now look to do the same at the Italian Grand Prix.

Andrea Stella praises Lando Norris’ competitiveness after Dutch GP triumph

McLaren Team Director Andrea Stella The F1 driver was delighted after Lando Norris successfully converted his pole position into victory at Zandvoort. Norris’ triumph means the Papayas have now claimed three wins and racked up 13 podiums this season.

I am very happy for the team and for Lando himself. I think he has just proven the level of competitiveness, he can pull off. We know that he has been absolutely faultless this weekend.

Andrea Stella said after the Dutch GP

Stella: I’m very happy for the team and for Lando himself. I think he’s just proven the level of competitiveness he’s capable of. We know he was absolutely flawless this weekend, and it’s a bit of a shame for Oscar, he could have been better…

– Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) August 25, 2024

Andrea Stella described the 24-year-old as a faultless driver throughout the weekend in the Netherlands. Stella claimed Norris’s commanding victory proved his talent to his rivals and their teams on the grid.

The Papayas once again picked up more points than leaders Red Bull this weekend, reducing their deficit to just 30 points in the constructors’ championship. They will need to maintain the same intensity to reclaim the revered title for the first time since 1997.

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