Lando Norris says no decision has been made on whether his McLaren would require a new Mercedes engine.
Lando Norris wouldn’t rule out an engine change between now and the season’s end, claiming that “almost all other Mercedes drivers have taken one.”
Mercedes’ Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) appears to be having reliability issues this season, as Valtteri Bottas installed a sixth unit at the United States Grand Prix.
In Turkey, Lewis Hamilton received a grid penalty for a new ICE, and Mercedes engines were used by three of the four drivers who received engine penalties in Austin.
Norris was not one of those drivers, but he admits that talks between McLaren and Mercedes are ongoing to see whether that would alter before the season’s finish.
“It’s something that’s always ongoing,” Norris said and other accredited members of the media. “Almost all other Mercedes drivers have taken one, but it’s a conversation that’s going on from our team and Mercedes, with what’s best for the end of the season.
“Whether we do or we don’t, whether we take one now or later in the year, there’s not long left. If we take one in the future, that has yet to be decided. We’ll be discussing that.”
Norris expecting another close battle with Ferrari
Ferrari has won the last two races and is now only three and a half points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ standings.
Norris expects another close battle with the Scuderia when asked about his expectations heading into this weekend’s race in Mexico City.
Norris added: “We’ll have to wait and see. I’m just looking forward to getting back on track, and driving on one of the more fun circuits of the season.
“It’s very tricky because of the the altitude and the way the car handles on this type of circuit. A good mix of slow, medium and high speed corners.
“As expected, and as [it] has been all season, it’s going to be close between us [McLaren and Ferrari]. We’ll do our best to hopefully come out on top.”
Several masks inspired by NASCAR racing drivers are currently available at the following websites for a reasonable price: