Norris Gives Honest Take on Ferrari's Pace After Fierce US GP Battle

Lando Norris delivered a candid assessment of Ferrari's performance at the US Grand Prix, revealing that Charles Leclerc's pace was surprisingly strong, making his climb back to second place a significant challenge. Despite ultimately prevailing, Norris admitted Ferrari's speed wasn't 'bad at all' and that their duel was 'difficult enough'.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's improved showing, with Leclerc securing a podium, indicates a potential step forward for the Scuderia. While Norris eventually overtook Leclerc, the close battle highlights Ferrari's capability to challenge front-runners, a crucial factor as the season progresses and teams eye future developments. It also underscores the competitive intensity in the midfield battle for constructors' points.

The Details:

• Lando Norris, after being passed off the line, battled fiercely to reclaim second place in the US Grand Prix.
• He faced a resolute Charles Leclerc, who held his ground until the closing laps, eventually conceding to the McLaren MCL39's superior pace and tire management.
• Norris told GPblog, "I found it difficult enough just to get close to Charles, and their pace wasn't bad at all."
• He added that Leclerc was only "six seconds off Max" Verstappen with ten laps remaining, indicating Ferrari's competitive speed.
• Norris described the battle as challenging due to the close pace: "we were quicker, for sure, but not by a lot."
• He tried to pressure Leclerc into mistakes but noted that the Ferrari driver "didn't make many."
• Norris explained his eventual overtake: "especially the final stint, I managed to get the tyres into a good window, drop back a few seconds, re-attack, and I managed to kind of catch him a bit more off guard with a couple of laps."
• Leclerc, despite his podium finish, was realistic about Ferrari's prospects for a win in the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix, stating, "I don't think we quite have the car to do so."

The Big Picture:

Ferrari's performance in Austin, capped by Leclerc's podium, suggests a positive trajectory for the team, even if a victory might still be out of reach. This improved form is crucial for momentum as the season heads into its final races, particularly with key developments and a new car, Project 678, on the horizon for 2026. The consistent challenge from teams like McLaren and Ferrari ensures competitive racing and adds intrigue to the constructor standings.

What's Next:

• The F1 paddock now moves to Mexico for the Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
• While Ferrari claimed their last victory there a year ago with Carlos Sainz, Leclerc's candid assessment dampens expectations for an outright win this season.
• Teams will continue to push for performance gains in the remaining races, with an eye on gathering data and preparing for the next season's car developments.