The characteristics of the Montreal track have posed challenges for championship leaders McLaren, known for their car’s exceptional performance in managing tire temperatures. Unfortunately, this has hindered their ability to reach optimal performance in this particular race.
Oscar Piastri, the championship leader, secured a third-place position on the grid, trailing behind George Russell and Max Verstappen. However, his teammate Lando Norris faced difficulties, qualifying seventh after admitting to two mistakes in the final session. Norris noted the track’s low grip as a significant factor affecting their performance, stating, “It’s just very low grip… The car balance just never comes together as much as it does on other tracks.” He also pointed out that the roughness of the track and kerb-riding has impacted their car more than for some competitors.
While Norris experimented with a revised front suspension layout aimed at enhancing the car’s front axle feel, he expressed uncertainty about its effectiveness in the unique Montreal conditions. He indicated that understanding the true impact of the changes would require more races to fully assess, particularly at upcoming venues like Austria and Silverstone.
Piastri opted to stick with the previous suspension design, mentioning, “It’s a different part. It changes some things, some things are better, some things are worse.” He conveyed satisfaction with the overall performance of the car this season.
Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized the positive aspects of Norris’s performance despite the qualifying results, stating that the front suspension experimentation has shown promise. He acknowledged that preferences may vary between drivers, suggesting a tailored approach might be needful moving forward.
Overall, while McLaren faces challenges at the Montreal track, there is optimism for improvement in future races as they continue to adapt and refine their setup. This determination and commitment to progression could pave the way for better performances ahead.