McLaren explains recurring Norris straightline speed issue after Bahrain GP qualifying

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has addressed a recurring straightline speed deficit affecting Lando Norris' car during qualifying. After previously hindering him in Azerbaijan, the issue resurfaced during qualifying, leaving Norris slower at the end of every straight compared to rivals and his teammate Oscar Piastri.

Stella explained that the problem costs Norris approximately 0.1 to 0.2 seconds per lap due to a top-speed deficit of one to two kilometers per hour. While clarifying that the issue may stem from chassis parameters or aerodynamic drag rather than the Mercedes power unit itself, Stella confirmed McLaren will explore changes ahead of the upcoming Singapore race.