The recent technical upgrades introduced by the McLaren Formula 1 team, combined with the hard work done behind the scenes to help Lando Norris adapt his driving style to the specific characteristics of the MCL39 car, have allowed the British driver to take a significant step forward in terms of confidence—both on and off the track. While he admits that there is still one final step to take, Lando Norris now feels he is a genuine threat to Oscar Piastri’s ambitions.
Sometimes, a Formula 1 season can take unexpected turns, and in certain cases, it is just a stroke of luck that can shift the outcome of a World Championship campaign—especially when it has been filled with ups and downs. For Lando Norris, part of this inconsistency has stemmed from a lack of ideal synergy with the MCL39, a car that, although fast and competitive, has not always suited his personal driving style.
Compared to last season, the British driver has struggled more frequently to establish a strong connection with the car. This has partly been due to various modifications to the MCL39 that have not delivered the same sense of trust and predictability he enjoyed in previous campaigns. In response, McLaren has been working intensely behind the scenes to understand what wasn’t working and to help Norris rediscover the confidence he once had behind the wheel.
This effort materialized over the long term with the introduction of a newly designed front suspension. Internally revised in its geometry, the component was developed to enhance steering response and improve the interaction between key elements of the front axle. According to McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella, this change delivered the expected benefits. However, Norris’ improvements were not limited to the technical upgrades; he also made important progress in refining his own driving approach.
“My driving—how I handle the car and my ability to adapt to different styles—has really been the main factor,” Norris explained ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. Given that the Spa-Francorchamps weekend follows the sprint format, drivers are under increased pressure to quickly get in tune with the car. “At the end of the day, it’s also my job to drive whatever car I’m given as fast as possible.”
The British driver also highlighted the importance of his support group within the team, saying: “I have a very good group of people around me, so we work on things both on and off the track. That includes how I can approach race weekends in a more effective way. A lot of it has to do with how I can become a better driver in situations where I feel uncomfortable—dealing with things I don’t like, am not used to, or changes made to this year’s car.”
Although the changes to the car are not radical in appearance—visible only in the upper wishbone fairing—the difference lies in the internal mechanics. The new suspension system allows for different mechanical tuning in the way the triangle connects with other suspension elements, ultimately affecting the car’s steering behavior and cornering feedback.
It is important to note that these adjustments and developments do not always yield immediate on-track success. For instance, during the Canadian Grand Prix—when the suspension upgrade was first introduced—Norris spent most of the weekend behind his teammate Oscar Piastri. And in Austria, while Norris had a strong qualifying lap, it was arguably the Australian who had the edge in race pace. Moreover, had it not been for a time penalty, Oscar Piastri might have claimed victory at Silverstone.
While championship campaigns are shaped by race results, for Lando Norris, making progress in other key areas is just as important. In particular, he now feels more consistently capable of challenging his teammate. These steps forward—even on a psychological level—are critical to regaining control over one’s trajectory, helping a driver feel less at the mercy of events and more in command of their own destiny.
“I feel a bit more comfortable compared to where I was before,” said Norris. “For sure, I feel happier. Austria was the place where I felt most comfortable in terms of driving, even more than I did at Silverstone. With the car, with the awareness of where and how I can push—it all came together. It has always been a strong track for me.”
The 24-year-old driver added that several factors contributed to this improved form: “I think a lot of things came together. And the pace I had in qualifying in Austria was, without a doubt, the best and most convincing I’ve had all season. We’re still working on a few more things to help me get more out of the car and unlock that level of performance more often, like I did last year.”
Feeling more in sync with the car also allows Norris to get up to speed faster with setup work and better understand how to adapt during the race weekend. This saves valuable time and enables greater focus on other performance-related details. These are often subtle sensations that only the driver can truly assess. For example, Oscar Piastri has opted not to use the new suspension setup, believing it does not offer him any significant advantage compared to his current configuration.
What is now evident is that Lando Norris’ target is to complete the final piece of the puzzle and take that definitive step forward. Even though he does not yet feel capable of consistently outperforming Piastri—who has made considerable progress this year and evolved into a more well-rounded driver—Norris is now more aware of his own potential and capabilities.
“As I’ve said, there are still certain areas I just need to keep working on and improving. And I feel I’ve done that,” said Norris. “And I think that’s a good thing: I’ve won two races. But the most positive thing about those weekends was that the pace was strong right from the start. And I felt more comfortable with the car and understanding how to extract performance.”
“Sometimes, that puts a bigger smile on my face than the win itself—because it’s about progress. You can see the progress. And that’s always a great thing. It’s very rewarding. But I also know there’s more to unlock. There are still other things. I mean, I feel better than I did before. So do I feel more confident in being able to repeat those kinds of performances? Yes.”
“But am I at the same level as last year, and performing consistently at that level? I’d still say no. I now have a better understanding of everything. But we’re talking about very small margins—tiny gains here and there. I feel more like a threat to Oscar Piastri now, but I’m still not yet where I want to be.”
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