Lando Norris seems to have had enough of the buzz surrounding McLaren’s supposed dominance over Red Bull and Ferrari in the F1 2025 season. After losing his lead in the World Championship, he’s questioning the perception that his team holds a major advantage. At the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Norris expressed confusion over why there’s so much talk about McLaren being head and shoulders above the rest.
Norris was quite vocal after the race, emphasizing that Max Verstappen’s Red Bull was arguably the fastest car during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. McLaren might have won four of the five races this season, with Norris and Oscar Piastri bagging victories, yet he insists that McLaren isn’t as dominant as some believe. He pointed out that Verstappen had the quickest car if it weren’t for a five-second penalty he incurred for going off track and gaining an advantage.
Reflecting on his performance and the team’s strategies, Norris highlighted that McLaren’s method of showcasing more speed during practice sessions can create a false impression of dominance. This was evident when Norris mentioned their approach to practice, which can mislead people into thinking they have a clear edge over rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari. He acknowledged that while McLaren might have a formidable car, they’re not as untouchable as others might suggest.
Oscar Piastri, who took over the championship lead from Norris, seemed to partially disagree with his teammate. He credited their car for its speed but admitted that Red Bull was surprisingly close in performance that day. Piastri highlighted the challenges they faced during the race, especially dealing with Verstappen’s pace, which was more competitive than expected. Yet, he remains confident in McLaren’s capabilities, stressing that their car is still very strong compared to others.
These internal discussions and differing views within McLaren showcase the complex dynamics of F1 racing, where perception and reality often collide. Every race and strategy session leads to insights that keep both drivers and teams on their toes, continually adapting to maintain their competitive edge. As Norris and Piastri navigate these challenges, they mirror the broader intricacies of F1, where nothing is ever as simple as it seems.
In the fast-moving world of F1, perceptions can often blur the lines with reality. As the McLaren team continues to tackle the intense competition, Norris and Piastri’s insights remind us that success is never straightforward and maintaining an advantage demands constant effort and adaptation. With Red Bull and Ferrari breathing down their necks, the narrative of the 2025 season is far from over.
