Norris sets bar high at McLaren: 'If we ever want to be champions'

Lando Norris managed to reach Q3 in qualifying in Abu Dhabi and was hoping for a place in the top five, but the Briton was unable to do so. Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and Mercedes proved to be too fast, although the driver felt he was still close to the German stable's times.

For McLaren, there is still plenty to fight for in the final race. Indeed, the team is 19 points behind Alpine in the constructors' championship, so fourth place is still in the cards. The seventh and tenth starting positions for Norris and Daniel Ricciardo, respectively, therefore give McLaren hope.

"I thought we might get one of the Mercedes', which would have been pretty good," Norris told Sky Sports. "But they were improving a bit more then we could. It wasn't far away, I think two tenths to George. But I wouldn't say there was two tenths in it."

Norris expects more from McLaren

Although Norris is happy for the formation, he is by no means left feeling satisfied from this season. According to the talented driver, the racing stable is keen to go for the world title and a possible fourth place is still too little for the team. He hopes for a better year in 2023.

"If we want to do well and be champions at some point and win races we can't been satisfied with where we have been this season. We can be satisfied with the progrss that we have made and the mechanics, pitstops, and the work ethic we need just a slightly better car."