Lando Norris aims for McLaren championships in F1 showdown

Lando Norris has expressed McLaren's ambition to compete for both the drivers' and constructors' championships as the F1 season approaches its final stages. With Norris currently 62 points behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen, McLaren has capitalized on recent performance improvements, finishing on the podium in their last 12 races. The team has not won a championship since 2008, but the current season presents a strong opportunity for a comeback. Norris highlighted the importance of teamwork and continuous improvement, stating that both he and teammate Oscar Piastri are pushing each other on the track. Their competitive spirit was evident when Norris allowed Piastri to take the lead during the Hungarian Grand Prix, resulting in Piastri's first victory. However, their rivalry has also led to tense moments, such as during the Italian Grand Prix, where close racing could have resulted in a collision. Despite their recent successes, McLaren faces challenges, particularly with tire degradation affecting their race strategy. Norris acknowledged that their inability to execute a one-stop strategy in Monza was a weakness that needs addressing. As they head into the next races in Azerbaijan and Singapore, where Verstappen has historically struggled, McLaren aims to leverage their current momentum. With eight races remaining, the pressure is on for both Norris and McLaren to capitalize on their pace advantage and close the gap to Red Bull. The team's determination and recent performances suggest they are serious contenders for the championship, making the upcoming races crucial for their title aspirations.