I’m not making life easy for myself – Norris

Lando Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri both admitted after winning the Hungarian Grand Prix that they were “not making life very easy” for themselves in the title race.

Norris’ victory, his third victory in the last four races, closes his McLaren team-mate’s championship lead to nine points heading into the summer break.

However, after compromising himself while passing Piastri at the first corner, he dropped to fifth place on the first lap.

It’s already difficult, and it’s going to be tough, according to Norris. There are only a few small differences between us. I’m sure he’ll probably say something similar, and I’m sure there are some things I can improve and improve.

There are some things I need to improve on and want to improve on, but I’m looking forward to a nice break, a bit of rest and try to come back even better.

“I’m not giving myself the best opportunities,” I said. Even though the outcomes have appeared fantastic, I’m not currently making my life very simple. Therefore, I’ll be in a better place if I can work on those things.

In a number of races this season, Norris has struggled with minor issues that have cost him the championship. Hungary was the most recent of these.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Piastri were the only drivers to hold Norris’ position in the Hungaroring, but Piastri held him in place by Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and George Russell in the lead-up to Ferrari’s George Russell on the first corner.

Even though McLaren did not know when they made the decision whether he would be able to make it work, Norris had to use a one-stop tyre strategy to try to recover ground.

Norris said, “One of the first ones I’ve won probably in this way.” Most of the circumstances are new, so I’ve not won many races, but I believe this is the first race where using a completely different approach, giving myself that opportunity, worked out.

It’s a difficult strategy, but it turned out well. The most crucial factor is that. And to be honest, I didn’t really believe it would last the majority of that second stint. But I kind of gained more assurance that it was going to get closer and closer each lap. So, yes, it will undoubtedly be rewarding.

The two drivers anticipate a close fight until the championship resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix on September 29 and August, with Norris taking his fifth victory of the season, compared to Piastri’s six.

It will be a difficult second half of the year, according to Piastri. The margins are excellent, and it has already been difficult. Therefore, I believe watching it will be enjoyable.

Andrea Stella, the McLaren team’s principal, assured the team that they would continue to compete fairly among themselves.

“We are McLaren Racing,” Stella remarked. We incorporate racing into Formula 1 to enhance its value. So we want to offer fantastic Formula 1 racing.

Our two drivers need to be able to use, express their talent, pursue their aspirations, and achieve personal success within the bounds of team interest, fairness, sportsmanship, and respect for one another. This is what I see, in my opinion.

Even though Ferrari was competing for the victory for two thirds of the race, it will likely be a question between the two McLaren drivers.