McLaren duo Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz Jr. were at a loss to explain the team’s encouraging display during practice for Formula 1’s French Grand Prix.
McLaren holds fourth position in the Constructors’ Championship and has regularly featured towards the front of the midfield battle through 2019.
But in the second session Norris was able to finish in fifth position while team-mate Sainz Jr. classified in seventh spot.
“It is a bit of surprise; the team and I didn’t think the track would suit as much as Canada,” said Norris.
“It is just Friday; we were quick on a Friday. We were quick in Canada on a Friday. But I’m sure that the other teams are going to improve, so we have to improve the same amount.
“And just stay ahead. I don’t know what the reason is.”
Sainz Jr. added “I don’t know why. I don’t understand yet.
“We need to do some analysis. Today we were strong, but I will see that this track suits our car whenever we qualify P6 or P7. Until then, after Friday it is very difficult to tell.
“You know it has been a good day when you are not happy with the car and suffering out there with different issues, and you are still P7.
“So that gives good confidence for Saturday. We still need to change quite a lot of things because we were running a lot of experimental parts, changing floors, changing a lot of stuff on the car to see where the performance is.
“Hopefully tomorrow we can put together all the good pieces and have a better day.”
