While Lando Norris no longer has a shot at a maiden drivers’ championship, there’s still plenty left for him to fight for in the final two races of 2024.
McLaren can end a 26-year constructors’ title drought if they can hang onto their 24-point lead over Ferrari.
Their Las Vegas Grand Prix performance was worrying, as they had what was debatably the third or fourth fastest car.
It exposed a long-term weakness of theirs which comes as part of a bit of a rare scenario for them – but is it something to worry about?
Lando Norris blames ‘six-year’ graining issue for Las Vegas form
McLaren really struggled to preserve their tyres in Las Vegas and were hit with heavy levels of graining – where the surface of their tyres was opening up, losing temperature and grip.
Lando Norris was in a bit of no man’s land, and couldn’t do anything to prevent Max Verstappen from winning a fourth consecutive title in Nevada.
Speaking after the race, he mentioned how the graining problem has been an issue for them throughout his six seasons with the team.
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“It’s been a complaint of mine for the last six years, and again, we’ve still not been able to iron it out,” said Norris. “Some tracks are more rear-limited, or have certain characteristics don’t expose these issues, but we’ve always been one of the worst teams for front graining.
“I feel like I’ve driven very well in those races, like Mexico, where even with front graining, we weren’t the quickest car. But as soon as the front graining is gone, we have a car that’s quick enough.”
Can McLaren hang on to end 26-year streak?
McLaren will need both of their drivers to be firing on all cylinders at the final two races if they are to clinch their first constructors’ title in 26 years.
Realistically, they should return to the front as Formula 1 heads to the Middle East for the Qatar Grand Prix and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Although they’re held at night, temperatures will be over double what they were in Vegas, which should help McLaren turn their tyres on.
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Conversely, Mercedes, who dominated with a one-two, will probably swap with the papaya outfit and return to being fourth fastest.
Ferrari have been impressively consistent in almost all conditions and will be approaching these events with nothing to lose, so there’s a lot of excitement yet to come…
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