McLaren's Lando Norris says the team is “going in the right direction” in terms of its co-ordination and atmosphere, as he prepares to make the step up to Formula 1.
Norris joined McLaren as a young driver in 2017 and spent 2018 fully integrated within its organisation through his role as its test and reserve driver.
McLaren finished only sixth in last year’s Constructors’ Championship amid problems with its MCL33, including rear-end instability and high levels of drag.
McLaren had a subdued first test, with both Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. appearing to struggle at times with the MCL34, but the 19-year-old exuded confidence that the team is heading in the right direction.
"I definitely think it is an improvement from last year," said Norris. "Obviously I wasn’t the driver last year, so wasn’t as integrated as what I am now.
"But in terms of seeing everyone, the motivation from everyone, how they work as a whole group and a family pretty much, it definitely seems to be going in the right direction.
"It’s not perfect, but yeah, I think some of the problems that we have had or some of the niggles that we’ve had to overcome have been ironed out slowly.
"It’s just trying to make sure everyone works in the right direction and in a positive way, but it’s still going to take a bit more time before I think everyone is working together in the correct way.
"But it’s going in the right direction which is the main thing, and I think everyone is very motivated and has been working extremely hard for this season.”
