Lando Norris remains undaunted by his current standing in the world drivers’ championship, despite acknowledging the need for a boost to keep his title ambitions alive. Having finished as runner-up to Max Verstappen last season, the Briton is poised to contend for the title again in 2025. Presently, he holds second place this season, closely trailing his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, who has impressively clinched three victories from the first five races.
Norris had led the championship until the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where only 10 points now separate him from Piastri. McLaren’s CEO, Zak Brown, anticipates a fierce rivalry to unfold between the two drivers throughout the season. Nonetheless, Norris is not overly concerned about his teammate’s recent successes, stating: “Not worried at all… he deserves it.”
While he admits to needing to improve, Norris has confidence in his driving abilities and the pace of the car, citing specific issues related to front grip during qualifying sessions as the main obstacle. He noted, “There are certain characteristics that don’t allow me to feel what I need to feel,” which have hindered his ability to perform at his best.
Norris is keenly aware of the importance of making small adjustments in a competitive field where results can be decided by mere tenths of a second. He admits to making some mistakes but remains hopeful about quickly returning to peak performance levels. “I’m trying to improve,” he asserted, emphasising that he’s committed to rectifying the current shortcomings.
He recognises minor adjustments to the car from last year that perhaps favour Piastri but insists he won’t dwell on that comparison. Instead, he wants to focus on his own improvement. “It’s clear there have been some changes… but I have not been able to be at my best level,” he reflected, adding that he needs to work on his own skills rather than solely relying on car upgrades.
Norris is determined to keep progressing and plans to stay focused on his development as he and Piastri head into their next practice session ahead of the upcoming race.