Lando Norris is gearing up for a tricky Belgian Grand Prix weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, where heavy rain could force McLaren into some tough calls on strategy and tires.
The McLaren driver, fresh off a strong run in recent races, admitted the forecast looks grim for the sprint format event. “It’s going to be wet, and that always shakes things up,” Norris said ahead of Friday’s practice. “We’ll have to make quick decisions on setups and when to switch tires – one wrong move, and you’re out.”
With the sprint race set for Saturday, teams get limited time to adapt. Norris highlighted the challenge of qualifying in variable conditions, where grip levels can change lap by lap. “You might nail a lap in the dry, then suddenly it’s pouring, and your plan falls apart,” he explained.
Teammate Oscar Piastri echoed the concerns, noting McLaren’s recent pace could help if they stay sharp. But Norris remains cautious, pointing to Spa’s unpredictable weather as a potential equalizer against rivals like Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Despite the hurdles, Norris is optimistic. “We’ve got the car to fight at the front, rain or shine. It’s about minimizing risks and capitalizing on opportunities.” Qualifying kicks off soon, with all eyes on how teams handle the downpour.
