Lando Norris has swiftly dismissed mounting speculation about a potential Formula 1 championship bid, with the McLaren star insisting he's keeping his feet firmly on the ground despite his recent surge in form.
The 24-year-old British driver, currently sitting third in the championship standings after a string of impressive performances, told reporters: "I'm not thinking about titles right now. For me, it's about consistency and helping McLaren progress."
Norris Prefers Progress Over Hype
Norris's comments come after his stunning victory at the Miami Grand Prix and subsequent podium finishes, which have inevitably sparked discussions about his championship credentials. However, the Bristol-born racer remains characteristically pragmatic about his prospects.
"We've made fantastic progress as a team," Norris acknowledged, "but there's still a gap to Red Bull and Ferrari in terms of pure performance. I'd rather focus on closing that gap than talk about titles."
McLaren's Remarkable Turnaround
The Woking-based team has enjoyed a dramatic resurgence this season after struggling in the early races. Technical upgrades introduced at the Austrian Grand Prix have transformed their MCL38 into one of the grid's most competitive packages.
Team principal Andrea Stella has been equally cautious about title aspirations, instead praising Norris's "mature approach" and "relentless work ethic" as key factors in McLaren's revival.
What Next for Norris and McLaren?
With 12 races remaining in the 2024 season, experts suggest Norris could mathematically remain in contention until the final rounds if he maintains his current form. However, the driver himself appears more focused on the team's long-term development than short-term glory.
As the F1 circus prepares for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can continue his remarkable run - whether he's thinking about the championship or not.
