McLaren boss praises Sainz and Norris chemistry within team
F1 News
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl has praised how well his drivers Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz get on with each other as well as with the team as a whole, as Seidl underlines the importance of team chemistry in McLaren's current trajectory.
The Woking-based side has truly turned a new leaf this season after a tumultuous few years. Both Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne left the team, getting replaced by the younger Sainz and the rookie Norris. Seidl, who had led Porsche's Le Mans operation as the German works team reeled in victory after victory, was also hired as the new team principal, replacing Gil de Ferran.
Although the team endured a rocky start to the season, they've been in excellent form since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the fourth race of the season.
They sit on top of midfield in both championships by quite some way, with Norris excelling in qualifying while Sainz tends to get it done on Sundays.
"Our drivers get on well and they have fun – both of which are important," Seidl said when asked how crucial team chemistry is.
"They understand that it’s not about the competition between them at the moment; it’s about making sure they push each other in order to lift their overall game, and at the same time help us to improve as a team.
"That’s also why we confirmed them so early for 2020: it was important to have clarity inside the team, which allows us to focus on our core job, which is to become an even better team and deliver a quicker race car."