McLaren's Gamble at Imola: How a Risky Setup Nearly Paid Off for Lando Norris

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was a race filled with anticipation and variables, not least due to McLaren’s strategic setup choices. Lando Norris reflected on how the team’s decision to configure their MCL38 for cooler conditions ended up being a double-edged sword.

Norris started strong but struggled initially after bolting on the hard Pirelli compound tires. The delay in getting the tires into their prime operating window cost him precious seconds, especially with Charles Leclerc breathing down his neck. However, once he managed to find the sweet spot, Norris began mounting a formidable late-race charge, finishing less than a second behind Max Verstappen.

“We were expecting it to be a little bit colder today than what it was, so we kind of set up the car more for colder conditions rather than hot,” Norris revealed post-race. “I think I paid the price in general. I had to introduce the tires so gently; otherwise, I would have fallen off a cliff like the others did.”

Norris explained that the setup had been a significant gamble. “My only chance was to drive my race, which meant being under pressure from Charles [Leclerc] for more laps than I would have liked. But as soon as I cleared the traffic and got back into my rhythm, I felt good with the car.” Gradually, his tires warmed up, allowing him to push harder and close the gap with the leader.

Upon reflecting on the performance, Norris was optimistic. “The pace was amazing once the tires came back to me. It’s always a good thing to have is good race pace,” said the British driver. “When it’s hotter and there’s more degradation to the rear tires, we start to struggle a lot more. It’s something we know and maybe we could have prepared for a little bit more, but nevertheless, I’m happy with the outcome.”

Norris’s recent performances affirm McLaren’s growing competitiveness. With three podium finishes in a row—second in China, a maiden victory in Miami, and now second at Imola—McLaren seems poised to be a constant thorn in the side of Red Bull.

Indeed, the 2023 season saw McLaren frequently challenging the top teams. Slated improvements and the evident speed of the MCL38 give credence to the idea that McLaren could be a consistent challenger.

“Hopefully, it continues like that because it’s exciting, it’s tough, and it gets you excited every weekend,” said Norris. “I’m looking forward to the next few.”

The race at Imola underscored the fine margins that define Formula 1. McLaren’s calculated risk, though ambivalent in its immediate payoff, showcased their strategic audacity and Norris’s resilience. Their performance hints at a thrilling season ahead, as McLaren aims to translate these finishes into consistent victories.