Norris encouraged by McLaren pace despite fifth in Mexico City

Lando Norris said McLaren's pace in Sunday's Mexico City Grand Prix was encouraging, but he was disappointed the team had not achieved more. He finished fifth after starting sixth, losing two places on the opening lap before recovering to sixth by passing Franco Colapinto and Arvid Lindblad.

Norris extended his first stint on soft tyres before switching to mediums, emerging fifth and beginning to close on the Ferraris. A red flag following Valtteri Bottas's crash interrupted that progress. He pressed Charles Leclerc after the restart but could not find a way past. Norris said Leclerc defended well and that the speed limiter made overtaking difficult, although he enjoyed the battle.

Andrea Stella, McLaren's team principal, called the 10-point return disappointing, saying the car's pace was good enough to fight for podiums. He said McLaren was looking to bring upgrades to Brazil, with the aim of making the car faster.