Lando Norris heads into the British Grand Prix as the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, but he admits McLaren is no longer in the dominant position it enjoyed a year ago. Ahead of his home race at Silverstone, the British driver reflected on the team’s current form, the pressure of racing in front of his home fans, and the ongoing speculation linking Max Verstappen with McLaren.
Norris returns to Silverstone as world champion
For Lando Norris, the 2025 Formula 1 season will always hold a special place in his career. Not only did he secure his maiden World Championship in Abu Dhabi, but he also claimed his first-ever victory at Silverstone behind the wheel of the outstanding McLaren MCL39.
The 2026 campaign has not delivered the same level of success, with Norris currently chasing the championship leaders. Even so, the reigning world champion is hoping his home crowd can provide the extra motivation he needs to get his season back on track.
Speaking during Thursday’s FIA press conference, Norris shared his thoughts ahead of one of the most anticipated weekends of the year.
“Racing at home as the world champion is amazing,” Norris told reporters. “Competing in front of our fans, my friends and my family is always something special. I’ve always loved coming here. After winning the 2025 race and the championship, I arrive much more relaxed and I feel less pressure. But of course I want to win here for a second time. The grandstand dedicated to me is fantastic—it will be bigger and even better than last year. Hopefully it distracts my rivals,” he joked.
Norris also highlighted the incredible support he continues to receive from British fans before discussing McLaren’s current level of competitiveness.
“Seeing so many people supporting me is incredible,” he continued. “I don’t think Austria was any worse for us than Spain. The only difference was the cars ahead of us. In Spain it was Ferrari, while in Austria it was Red Bull. Things change from race to race, but we’re simply not where we want to be yet.
“I don’t think we can arrive here with the same optimism we had last year, but we’re still aiming for a podium. Would I love to give all these fans another victory? Of course. But we also have to be realistic—we’re not in the same position as we were twelve months ago. Believing we can automatically repeat that result isn’t easy, but at your home race you always want to perform at your absolute best. The fans give me a special energy and motivate me to put on a great show.”
Verstappen rumours and McLaren’s future
Norris also addressed the ongoing driver market speculation, including the persistent rumours linking Max Verstappen with a future move to McLaren.
“Verstappen to McLaren? There are plenty of drivers who want to come to McLaren. I don’t know why everyone only talks about Max,” observed the reigning world champion. “As far as I know, there are several others as well.
“I actually see it as something positive. It’s nice that a four-time world champion wants to join us—or at least could be interested in joining the team, because I don’t know how much truth there is behind the rumours. But it’s not something that concerns the present, and it’s certainly not a serious issue right now.
“I’m excited to stay with this team for many more years. That’s my plan. Oscar and I work really well together, and I believe we can continue working successfully as teammates for many years to come.”
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