Lando Norris — 2022 season

Lando Norris's 2022 Formula 1 season demonstrated his consistent ability to extract maximum performance from a challenging McLaren package, securing a seventh-place finish in the Drivers' Championship during the debut of the ground-effect regulations.

Going in

The 2022 season marked a significant overhaul in Formula 1's technical regulations, ushering in the ground-effect era with simplified aerodynamics and 18-inch wheels. McLaren, like all teams, faced the challenge of understanding and optimizing these new cars. Expectations were tempered by the unknown, but Norris, fresh off a strong 2021 campaign, was seen as the team's spearhead. The initial races would be crucial in establishing McLaren's pecking order within the midfield, a position that would define much of Norris's year.

How it played out

The season began with McLaren struggling to adapt to the new regulations, particularly in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, where Norris finished 15th and 7th respectively. However, the team quickly found some pace, and Norris capitalized. His standout performance came early at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, where he secured his sole podium of the season, finishing 3rd. This result offered a glimmer of the potential within both driver and car. Throughout the year, Norris consistently outpaced his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, accumulating 122 points to Ricciardo's 37, a stark difference that underscored Norris's capacity to maximize the MCL36's performance. He finished in the points in 18 of the 22 races, a testament to his consistency, even as the Red Bull cars dominated the championship, as detailed on the Formula 1 — official site.

Defining moments

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was undoubtedly the highlight, with Norris expertly navigating challenging conditions to claim a podium finish. Other notable drives included a 5th place at the Australian Grand Prix and a strong 4th at the Singapore Grand Prix, showcasing his proficiency on diverse circuit types. The season also presented challenges, such as the collision that led to his DNF at the Miami Grand Prix and a gearbox issue at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Despite these setbacks, Norris's ability to regularly place his McLaren within the top 10, often from mid-grid starts, was a recurring theme. His performance contrasted sharply with the struggles faced by other drivers adapting to new machinery, a dynamic seen with at , who also navigated a new car with varying success.