Lando Norris has had an impressive 2024 Formula 1 season, but his race starts have been a significant Achilles’ heel, costing him positions and potential victories.
Norris’s difficulties at the start of races have been evident, particularly at the Spanish and Hungarian Grands Prix. In Barcelona, his attempt to outmaneuver Max Verstappen saw George Russell seize the opportunity to pass both. In Hungary, Oscar Piastri’s inside line strategy further complicated Norris’s race start.
Another setback occurred when Norris went wide at La Source, losing momentum and positions heading up the Kemmel Straight. Even in China, a poor start allowed Lewis Hamilton to outdrag him off the line, forcing Norris off the track and compromising his race.
These issues are not merely about initial positions. Norris’s slower starts limit his defensive options, making him vulnerable to faster cars. This has been seen repeatedly, as he enters the first corner with less momentum, losing track position as a result.
Norris’s strategy to retreat into a tire-saving mode has occasionally paid off, like in Miami. However, relying on luck and fortuitous safety cars is not sustainable. Norris himself acknowledged these challenges after the Belgian Grand Prix, admitting to losing points due to mistakes and poor starts.
The psychological aspect of overcoming these hurdles is significant. Norris needs to break free from the mental feedback loop of repeating mistakes. It’s not easy, but essential for his growth. Support from his team and psychological coaches could be crucial.
Andrea Stella, team principal, highlighted the need for analysis and improvement. Norris’s starting woes are being examined to determine if they are random or indicative of a deeper issue. Adjusting car settings or mental conditioning could be potential solutions.
Despite these challenges, Norris has shown he can excel at race starts. His performances at the British Grand Prix, Suzuka, and the US Grand Prix in previous seasons are testaments to his capability. However, he hasn’t gained a position off the line this year, and if he wants to compete for a championship, this needs to change.
The upcoming summer break might be the perfect time for Norris to reset and address these issues. A strong start at Zandvoort could boost his confidence. If not, McLaren will need to find ways to prevent their talented driver from falling into a downward spiral.
Norris’s journey to improve his race starts is crucial for his championship aspirations. With the right support and strategies, he can overcome these challenges and capitalize on his talent. The summer break could be a turning point for him and his team.
