The final lap of the Dutch Grand Prix came fast. After 72 laps, reigning world champion Lando Norris took the checkered flag and secured the final victory at the Zandvoort track.
Norris’s title-defending season has been anything but impressive. He’s dealt with engine failures, power unit issues, and all sorts of problems with the cars. He currently sits fourth in the championship, just behind Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and Kimi Antonelli.
However, his season is turning around. After four podiums, he got his first win as a world champion during the Hungarian Grand Prix. He went into the summer break with a win, and came out of the summer break with a win.
For the Hungarian and Dutch Grand Prix, McLaren brought upgrades that have proven to be beneficial. Both drivers are finding their pace, and if these upgrades continue to work, both drivers could secure podiums and steal points for the Constructor’s championship.
The Italian Grand Prix at the Monza circuit is a test for McLaren. It’s rumored that they’ll be bringing their rotating wing, which Ferrari has used in the past and has brought them an advantage. Some other upgrades they’ve had include a new floor, wakeboards and floor slots, an engine cover, diffuser tweaks, and new front wheel rims.
Points-wise, Lando is only 24 behind Hamilton and Russell, and 83 points behind Antonelli. This weekend, Antonelli has to start from the back up the grid due to a new power unit. With Antonelli at the back, and if Norris can secure a solid qualifying position, Norris can significantly cut Antonelli’s lead.
Another thing to note is that Norris came second in last year’s Italian Grand Prix. Max Verstappen secured the victory with a 19 second gap, and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri came in third with a three second gap between the Papaya drivers. However, it’s a new year for his Grand Prix, and anything can happen.
It’s no surprise that Norris is on a heater. Two back-to-back wins, putting up significant gaps in races, no recent issues with the car, his title defense is back on. Aside from his on-track racing, he recently announced that he is starting a Formula 4 team, LN4Fusion.
Winning off the track
LN4Fusion aims to provide racers who struggle with funding to put themselves out there and prove their worth as racers. Norris shared that he understands that financing is the biggest struggle when it comes to motorsports, and wants to give back to the community that got him to where he is today. Currently, their bid is for , with aims to have a spot in the Formula 2 category.
Giving back to under-financed racers is a huge step. Previous World Champions have given back in many different ways, including Lewis Hamilton with Project 44, and Max Verstappen and Redline Sim Racing. These programs give back to the racing community by getting under-financed racers and kids into different aspects of the sport. Norris joins these World Champions with his own team and financing racers.
The Monza Weekend
This year’s Italian Grand Prix will feature Lightning McQueen as the safety car. The historic track is hosting the childhood car after a recent merchandise collaboration between the film and racing series.
One big thing that recently came out about this race is that it’s been declared a heat-hazard. Temperatures are reaching up to more than 87.8 *F, and cooling kits are being instilled into cars this year. If Norris can handle the heat, he can secure the victory and get three wins in a row.
Race weekend begins Friday at 8:10 a.m. EST, with the lights going out on Sunday at 9:50 a.m. EST. The weekend will be live on Apple TV.