Norris sets McLaren demand after setting Hungary pace
Lando Norris is seeking improved comfort from his McLaren despite comfortably topping practice at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
In FP2, Norris clocked the fastest time of a 1:17.788 on the soft tyres to top the session, nearly a quarter of a second clear of Max Verstappen in the sole upgraded Red Bull and over half a second clear of the lead Mercedes of George Russell.
In the long runs, Norris also looked extremely quick, keeping up the good form the MCL38 and the Briton have shown over recent races, but Norris feels the comfort and feeling of his car can be improved heading into qualifying – even if he is prepared to put up with the fast, but uncomfortable machine as is.
“It was definitely a good first day, but we have a bit more work to do if we want to be comfortable,” Norris explained.
“I feel like we have the speed in the car, it is just being able to deliver it when you need to.
“You can have a fast car that is easy to drive – that is an ideal world – but obviously more often than not you have a fast car which is a bit on the edge and a little bit more difficult.
“It is just about playing around the balance of where you want to sit, and that is just down to driver preference, but [Friday] felt good but there is definitely a little bit more the comfort side that I would like, just so I can deliver a little bit more than just one lap a day.”
Hungarian GP weather impact
Norris also addressed the sweltering weather conditions expected across the weekend as temperatures climb into the mid-30s, and the impact this will have on the drivers at what has traditionally been a physical circuit.
“Sunday is going to be the challenge for all of us,” he said, with the race set for 70 laps in conditions up to a possible 35 degrees celsius of air temperature.
“Staying hydrated and drinking my drinks is important, but it is part of it.
“It is mentally draining, mentally tough, but it doesn’t feel quite physical around here, but it doesn’t for whatever reason this weekend.
“It is just more sweating, losing energy and not making mistakes. That is going to be the biggest challenge.”
