McLaren team principal surprised how F1 Chinese GP weekend transformed from 'damage limitation' to a podium finish

Both Lando Norris and McLaren team principal Andrea Stella expressed surprise at the F1 Chinese GP race weekend, which transformed from one where it was supposed to be about damage limitation to where they scored a podium.

The front-limited nature of the Shanghai International circuit, along with the slow speed sections and the long straight, are some areas where McLaren tends to struggle. The team has not been the best in the slow speed sections and its real strength lies in the fast speed parts of the track. This was precisely why Lando Norris and the team were not looking forward to a great result in China.

The expectations, however, were flipped on their heads when Lando Norris secured a pole position for the sprint in the wet weather. Then, even in the dry race on Sunday, the team nailed the strategy and quite clearly had the legs on Ferrari, a team that was expected to do well here.

All in all, the result proved to be a surprise for the team and the driver as well. Talking to Sky Sports, when it was said that it was a surprise to see McLaren on the podium, Andrea Stella stated:

"So are we! In fairness we came here thinking this was a damage limitation event but actually it's been a completive event. Pole position for the Sprint. The Sprint possibly would have been a second place finish without the issue at corner one. Yesterday, completive in qualifying then again a strong race."

He added:

"Clearly we have to fine tune our understanding but F1 often surprises you because it's sensitive to so many parameters. Good result, good surprise, really happy for the men and women at McLaren. Great effort."

Lando Norris admits his surprise at McLaren's podium and Ferrari's struggle

Lando Norris also admitted that he was pleasantly surprised to see McLaren having a podium-contending pace. The driver had an inkling before the start of the race that Ferrari was possibly going to be faster and hence would storm through just like it did in Japan.

This did not happen in China, as even after the safety car period, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc did not have the pace to keep up with Lando Norris in his McLaren or the Red Bulls. Talking to Sky Sports, Norris admitted his surprise at the situation, as he said:

"Surprised, so I'm very happy. I'm happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out. I don't know why, it was not the race I was expecting to have today, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday."

He added:

"And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable. So a good day, good points, and another podium. So very happy."

This is Lando's second podium of the season now after the race in Melbourne, where he finished P3. This also helps the team and the driver solidify their position in the championship standings.