Few moments in recent Formula 1 seasons have stirred such excitement among fans as Lando Norris’s breathtaking charge at the Mexican Grand Prix. His storming performance, surging from 17th on the grid to a formidable finish in the front pack, left the paddock buzzing. But what really lit the fire under the papaya car in the thin air of Mexico City? As I examined McLaren’s weekend in detail—as a keen follower and connoisseur of F1 technical intricacies—it became clear that the key ingredients were far more than just a combination of luck and a hungry young British driver.
McLaren’s journey this season has been nothing short of a renaissance. After a tepid start, the team unlocked potential with an impressive series of upgrades. But Mexico was meant to be a tougher challenge for their aerodynamic package. The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its high altitude and unique surface, radically changes the game: engines lose power, cooling efficiency is compromised, and the cars run Monaco-level downforce with Monza-like speeds down the straight. Many expected Red Bull and Ferrari to dominate, given their past success and power unit strengths in these demanding conditions.
Instead, McLaren defied many expectations, thanks in large part to their deep understanding of tyre dynamics and rapid in-race learning. From the very first lap, it was evident Norris had a pacier car than his grid position suggested. After a difficult qualifying, the young Brit capitalized on both his aggressive overtaking style and a cleverly-calculated race strategy, which made the most of the safety car and red flag periods.
Central to this performance was McLaren’s newfound mastery over tyre temperatures. Mexico’s thin air means tyres can overheat catastrophically, leading to the infamous “thermal degradation” that haunts drivers’ stints. While rivals like Mercedes and Ferrari struggled to keep their tyres in the optimum window—either sliding around from a lack of grip or overheating Norris’s McLaren found the sweet spot. His car switched on the tyres just right, letting him push hard when overtaking and still maintain rubber life to the flag. In fact, team insiders hinted that relentless simulator work and Norris’s feedback from Friday’s long runs directly informed key set-up changes, letting his MCL60 shine when it mattered most.
Another factor was Lando’s state of mind and maturity. Despite starting deep in the midfield and navigating the notorious Turn 1 melee, Norris’s attacking yet calculated racecraft, honed through years of battling for points and podiums, paid off. His overtakes were bold, especially in the closing laps, and it was clear he fully trusted in both his machinery and team’s strategies—a testament to the confidence running through the McLaren camp. Importantly, the pit wall did not miss a beat, choosing ideal moments for pit stops and safety car gambles, enabling Norris to maximize every inch of the track.
It’s also noteworthy how McLaren have built upon their weaknesses. Previously, high-altitude circuits highlighted their lack of straight-line speed, often exposing them to easy overtakes down Mexico’s long straights. Now, not only did they manage to keep rival cars behind, but Norris frequently made use of DRS and slipstreams to outmaneuver competitors decisively. Upgrades to their floor, rear wing and brake cooling—all tailored for the specific demands of Mexico—were instrumental, showing just how well McLaren’s technical team is firing on all cylinders.
For those who follow the technical chess game of F1 closely, McLaren’s leap is not just the story of a resurgent package—it is a story of perfect execution under pressure and the seamless syncing of driver and team. Norris’s charge in Mexico was not just statistically impressive, but emotionally resonant, energizing fans and reasserting McLaren as a true force against the established top teams. If this form continues, and with further upgrades on the horizon, don’t be surprised to see those iconic papaya cars at the sharp end much more frequently as the 2024 season unfolds.
