Lando Norris, despite leading the World Championship, faces unexpected hurdles in qualifying as McLaren seeks solutions to enhance his performance.
Lando Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri both achieved top three positions in the Japanese Grand Prix qualifying, indicating their potential strength on the track. However, the season hasn’t been entirely smooth for Norris, particularly when it comes to the qualifying rounds. Despite being favorites coming into the 2025 Formula 1 season, the British driver has experienced challenges that McLaren is now eager to address.
Qualifying is crucial in Formula 1, where fractions of a second can mean the difference between starting first or several places back on the grid. Norris, even as he enjoys the championship lead, finds himself struggling in qualifying sessions. In Japan, he felt content with his performance, mentioning, ‘I’m happy because I felt like I got everything out of the car today.’ Yet, he acknowledged that small margins separate the top positions, with Max Verstappen narrowly taking pole position.
The heart of the issue seems to be a particular sensitivity in the McLaren MCL39. Team principal Andrea Stella notes that Lando’s struggles can be traced to the car’s response to driver inputs. Stella explains that the vehicle is a bit too sensitive, affecting Norris’s ability to perform consistently at his highest level. This sensitivity, particularly noticeable under braking, is where Norris’s driving style becomes a factor. Compared with Piastri, Norris tends to have more overlap between braking and cornering, which can lead to increased tire wear.
McLaren believes that by understanding these nuances, they can refine the car to better suit Norris’s natural driving style, allowing for a more seamless and effective performance during qualifying. While specific technical adjustments remain under wraps, what is apparent is McLaren’s commitment to tweaking the MCL39 to improve Norris’s comfort and performance on the track.
Both Norris and Piastri have areas to focus on. While Norris deals with the car’s sensitivity, Piastri also seeks more comfort in certain driving aspects. The path forward will involve ongoing adjustments and assessments in upcoming races to see where further enhancements can be made.
Norris’s journey this season highlights the intricacies of Formula 1 competition, especially during qualifying. As McLaren works on resolving the issues affecting their cars, the team’s strategic efforts aim to unlock Norris’s full potential, ensuring that his performances align with the expectations brought about by his championship lead.
