Lando Norris says McLaren are not ready to challenge Red Bull consistently despite taking his maiden victory in the Miami Grand Prix.
The Briton expects a competitive showing at this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix but said McLaren are “not getting ahead of ourselves”.
“I’m confident we can make steps forward but I’ve made it clear we’re not going to be there every weekend,” Norris said.
“We need more if we are to challenge Red Bull and Ferrari more consistently.”
Norris’ Miami victory followed a major aerodynamic development to the McLaren for the Florida event and he believes the car should be even better matched with the Imola track this weekend.
“We are just better suited for Imola, potentially the upgrade a little bit as well,” he said. “Imola has generally been one of our more successful tracks – and for me as driver.”
But he pointed out that other teams were also progressing – Ferrari have their own development package this weekend, including major bodywork revisions and improved aerodynamics.
And Norris – whose Miami win was helped by a well-timed safety car that allowed him to jump to the front ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – said he still ranked McLaren behind Red Bull and Ferrari.
Norris said: “We definitely took a step forward but other teams have upgrades, too. So we’re not getting ahead of ourselves.
“I still think we’re the third best team at the moment, but that could change if we have another good weekend here and I’m confident with our rate of development that by next year we can challenge a lot more often for wins and in the big picture challenge for the title.”
