Norris: Small mistakes will decide midfield

Michelle Foster
Lando Norris to have a special helmet design for every 2020 race.

Lando Norris to have a special helmet design for every 2020 race.

Lando Norris believes “small mistakes” could decide this year’s midfield battle with the Brit out on a possible points-finish when his MCL34 caught fire in Canada.

Norris was running inside the top ten at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve when he pulled his McLaren off the track with what appeared to be a broken rear suspension.

Moments later the rear brakes fire.

McLaren have yet to reveal the cause of the incident, which was Norris’ second retirement of his debut season, his first being a crash at the Spanish GP.

The rookie admits both he and McLaren need to avoid future mistakes as they could cost the team dearly.

McLaren are currently fourth in the Constructors’ Championship with 30 points, two more than Renault.

“The teams in the midfield are really close and we’ve had some good battles over the last few races,” he said.

“We know the fight in France will be just as tough and I’ve been doing plenty of work in the factory to prepare for this weekend.

“As a team, we just have to keep giving it our all at every single race, as small mistakes can cost us.

Norris hopes McLaren can extend that lead at this weekend’s French GP.

“I’m excited to get back racing again after Canada and to experience (Circuit Paul) Ricard in an F1 car for the first time,” he said.

“I’ll be focusing on getting up to speed as quickly as I can on Friday.

“I’ve got previous experience at Ricard, having raced there in Formula Renault and F2 there.”

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