McLaren's current F1 performance is hampered by specific tyre characteristics, according to Lando Norris. High Pirelli tyre pressures this year result in stiffer rubber, demanding a delicate touch on corner entry. Drivers cannot simultaneously brake and turn, a weakness Norris believes McLaren’s car struggles with compared to Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull. Oscar Piastri also notes difficulty getting tyres into their optimal temperature window, a problem not seen in years.
Team principal Andrea Stella agrees, stating the tyres lack capacity to transition from longitudinal to lateral load. More downforce could alleviate this limitation. Beyond these car characteristics, McLaren's championship aspirations are also being undermined by a string of mechanical failures, including Norris’s recent retirements in Canada and Monaco. Norris feels these compounding issues make a title challenge "impossible for the time being," frustrating the team's efforts to consistently contend for wins and podiums.
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