Lando Norris asserts that McLaren boasts the most formidable driver line-up in Formula 1 because of the synergy and mutual encouragement between him and teammate Oscar Piastri.
Norris and Piastri have secured the first two Formula 1 victories of 2025 and are anticipated to engage in a season-long championship fight during their third year as McLaren teammates.
Despite neither driver holding a drivers` championship title yet, unlike Red Bull`s Max Verstappen or Ferrari`s Lewis Hamilton, Norris emphasized the caliber of McLaren`s driver partnership ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend.
`I am presently confident at every circuit regarding our strength. We have noticed others suggesting recently that we are not significantly ahead,` stated the current championship leader.
`Despite Max`s comments, his performance in the last stint in China was robust, though still not matching ours, but considerably more competitive. I observed Fred Vasseur mentioning Ferrari`s ambition to compete closely with us, highlighting their Sprint victory and superior qualifying in comparison.`
`We are not that far ahead of them. People seem inclined to highlight this, perhaps because we are currently the only team with two exceptional drivers. This distinction is crucial.`
`If one of us performed considerably worse or was less competitive, a scenario more frequent with Ferrari or Red Bull where Max excels while his teammate lags, the contrast would be starker.`
`The mere fact that we have two capable drivers genuinely makes a significant impact, even when we might not possess the outright fastest car, be it in the China Sprint, qualifying, or the race. The dynamic of two strong drivers pushing each other enhances performance more than commonly perceived.`
McLaren and Aston Martin were unique in maintaining their driver pairings from 2024 into this season, amidst widespread changes across half of the grid.
Norris suggests that the adaptation period required for drivers joining new teams, including Hamilton, gives McLaren an advantage.
`Ferrari`s situation involves integrating experience within F1, which is where we might lack slightly. We benefit from having two drivers deeply familiar with the team, having been here for an extended period,` he elaborated.
`Lewis is new to Ferrari and openly admits ongoing learning regarding the complexity of their steering wheel. Can he extract every ounce of performance from the car as effectively as Oscar and I? He openly acknowledges this learning curve.`
`It`s not about claiming superiority over Lewis or Charles, which I don`t, and I`ve always been upfront about that. I would never elevate myself above them.`
`However, our team dynamic, I believe, surpasses any other team. Our mutual drive and ability to maximize each other`s potential as drivers, I believe, is also unmatched, and this is our key advantage.`
Norris: Title Preparedness Enhanced This Year
Norris leads Verstappen by eight points after two races, with a nine-point lead over George Russell and a ten-point advantage over teammate Piastri.
Previously, Norris indicated that he and McLaren weren`t ready for a drivers` title last season but perceives this year as `different` due to Verstappen not establishing an early dominant lead.
`Being in a position of consistently trailing by 40-50, or even 60 points, primarily lost at the beginning, makes a comeback incredibly challenging,` he explained.
`Despite having the best car at times last year and Max facing difficulties, he consistently avoided poor results. His deserved championship win last year highlighted how impactful a slightly superior car can be this year.`
`Conversely, experiencing minor setbacks, as we did last year, significantly worsens your overall position, emphasizing the relative nature of everything.`
`I believe not only have we significantly improved the car to now be potentially the best, but both Oscar and I have also markedly improved our driving.`
`I feel more equipped for any scenario, whether competing against Max, Oscar, Lewis, or Charles. I am more aware of the performance level required, whether it demands a risky or conservative approach, adapting to various situations along the way. I feel considerably more prepared this year.`
Piastri Unfazed by Championship Standings
After a spin at the Australian Grand Prix season opener, Piastri recovered 13 points in the subsequent China race, narrowing his gap to Norris to just 10 points.
Piastri states he wasn`t overly concerned about the points lost in the initial race.
`Naturally, you aim to avoid giving away any advantage, whether in lap time or points. Ideally, you prevent unnecessary concessions. Of course, I`m focused on reducing the current gap,` he mentioned.
`However, with 22 races remaining, obsessing over the gap this early could lead to a very stressful year. My focus is on maximizing my performance each weekend. The first two weekends have demonstrated positive execution, and I believe consistent performance will naturally manage the points standings.`
Piastri suggests that Verstappen`s ability to win races last year, even when Red Bull wasn`t the fastest, is a crucial factor for McLaren in this season`s title contention.
`The initial six races are as critical as the final six, although the latter provide a clearer picture of team standings,` he added.
`Reflecting on past championships where points were lost, the timing within the year is less relevant than the fact of lost points throughout the season. For me, the timing is secondary.`
`Even late in the season, the objective remains maximizing each weekend`s potential. While it`s noted that Max secured last year`s championship early, he also maintained his lead to the end, not losing ground to Lando or anyone else when his car wasn`t dominant. Maximizing performance each weekend is ultimately what matters.`
Japanese GP Live Schedule on Sky Sports F1
Friday, April 4
- 3:00 AM: Japanese GP Practice One (session starts at 3:30 AM)*
- 5:30 AM: Team Principals` Press Conference
- 6:45 AM: Japanese GP Practice Two (session starts at 7:00 AM)*
- 8:15 AM: The F1 Show*
Saturday, April 5
- 3:15 AM: Japanese GP Practice Three (session starts at 3:30 AM)*
- 6:00 AM: Japanese GP Qualifying build-up*
- 7:00 AM: Japanese GP Qualifying*
- 9:00 AM: Ted`s Qualifying Notebook*
Sunday, April 6
- 4:30 AM: Japanese GP build-up: Grand Prix Sunday*
- 6:00 AM: THE JAPANESE GRAND PRIX*
- 8:00 AM: Japanese GP reaction: Chequered Flag*
- 9:00 AM: Ted`s Notebook*
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Formula 1 is at the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix this weekend. Stream Sky Sports with NOW – No contract, cancel anytime.
