F1 News: Lando Norris Breaks Unwanted Record At Japanese GP

Some records are meant to be broken. The rest are meant to be avoided.

Lando Norris seems to have unknowingly and unwantedly broken a record during the Japanese GP which kind of overshadows the McLaren driver's efforts throughout the 2023 season. At 115 points in the 2023 Drivers' Standings and 543 career points, Lando Norris now holds the record for the most points scored by an F1 driver without a win. 

The only possibility of a win this year so far, barring the Red Bulls, was a tiny window of opportunity at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore. Unfortunately for Norris, the Ferraris took that bit of sweetmeat away, leaving him with an unwanted record today.

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McLaren saw a difficult start to the 2023 campaign but the introduction of a B-spec car in Austria turned the situation in their favour. Not to forget the introduction of further upgrades in Singapore that seem to be making a noticeable difference. 

While the team secured its first double podium finish of the season, Norris said that they were now aiming for Red Bull. In a radio message to the team during the cool-down lap, he said:

“Incredible, well-done everyone, insane! Double podium, two of us up there!

"We are coming for Red Bull!

"Let’s keep up the work. Incredible. Thank you to everyone in the factory, everyone here trackside. Love you all so much, thank you.”

While it is impossible to catch up with Red Bull in terms of points, the team could definitely make attempts to get closer to race leader Max Verstappen in terms of pace.

Speaking to Damon Hill after a fantastic run at Suzuka, Norris said they were getting closer to the Red Bulls, one step at a time. 

“Another amazing day for us, P2 and a P3, so couldn’t have asked for any more. The team did an amazing job.

"My start was very good, I almost had Max but Max is Max as well, so I didn’t have another chance into Turn Two. I tried.

"The pace was extremely strong today, compared to everyone and I mean, we’re not close to Max, but we’re not miles away either.

"We’re pushing, we’re getting there. The progress we’ve made is pretty outstanding. So like I said, I’m very proud of the team and the steps forward we’re making every weekend.

"I’m sure there’s gonna be some tough times to come but we’re getting to step by step.”

Taking note of the way McLaren has upped its pace, could we witness Norris crossing the chequered flag first in any of the upcoming Grand Prix? 

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