Lando Norris knows he will enter the 2025 season as the favorite. “I know there are expectations—we have more partners, more sponsors, and probably more fans ready to support us. Maybe this adds a bit of pressure, but that’s not a bad thing at all. The moments when I feel the most energized are those with a bit of healthy tension. I’ve found the right way to handle these situations, and I have to say I enjoy them.” The winter break gave Norris a chance to calmly analyze the weaknesses that emerged during 2024, particularly his battles with Max Verstappen.
The topic came up immediately during the presentation of the MCL39, McLaren’s new car, which Norris took for its first laps at Silverstone. He made it clear that he is ready to take on Max Verstappen, and his analysis shows that the matter has been thoroughly discussed.
“The most important thing is to start the season on the right foot because it makes a huge difference whether you’re 50 points ahead or 50 points behind when facing Max. Last year, there were times when I had the better car, I was faster than Max, but I also had a significant points deficit in the overall standings.”
“Going up against him means dealing with a very skilled and tough defender, but when there’s also a points gap, it’s a different situation. We’ve seen multiple times that he was willing to sacrifice a race result, whereas I was in a more vulnerable position. If both of us end up out of a race, the one leading in the standings loses much less.”
Starting from zero again is a great opportunity for Norris. “I have to stick my elbows out and show that I won’t give up any positions easily. I can’t wait for the first battles—I love those moments when you have to make quick decisions. But at the same time, I don’t need to take unnecessary risks. I won’t do anything special just to try to beat Max. He’s fast, aggressive, and one of the best ever, but the simplest way to win is to be faster than him and stay ahead.”
McLaren hopes to transition from being the hunter—as it was from the Miami Grand Prix onward last season—to the hunted, aiming to lead from the first race in Melbourne.
The initial laps Norris completed in the MCL39 were not very telling, given the very low temperatures, full wet tires, and the usual caution when debuting a new car on track.
“I can’t say much about the car—the conditions weren’t ideal. I did a few laps in the wet, but as you know, these aren’t the same tires we use on race weekends. I’d say everything felt normal. The car is quite innovative, with some unique design details and modifications based on last season’s feedback. The team has done an excellent job exploring different areas and pushing the limits in some aspects, so you always feel a bit nervous. There’s always the worry that things won’t be perfect, but I believe everything will work as expected.”
Norris has no concerns about the team losing focus or feeling complacent after last season’s constructors’ championship win.
“In a way, we face a new challenge—we have to deal with last year’s success, which was a huge moment for the team. But I don’t think anyone has gotten comfortable. I think the mentality now is ‘that was great, but we want more.’ Andrea (Stella) has explained how much work has been done, and I can say that only a portion of it is visible from the outside.”
“I believe we’ll be on par with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull, but we’ve shown that we have what it takes to perform well. We don’t expect this season to be easier—in fact, it’ll probably be even tougher—but the team is working hard to make it a bit less difficult for both me and Oscar.”
Speaking of Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris is well aware that his first rival will be, as expected, his teammate.
“It’s a new year, and how you start the season changes everything. I know Oscar is hungry and aiming for the championship, and I believe he has everything it takes to do it. Every driver wants to be the best in their team—that’s normal—but I don’t think it changes anything in terms of responsibility toward the team. We set a good standard last year, making it clear how we can work together for the team’s benefit. Until Baku, there was no priority between me and Oscar—it was almost like we were fighting each other.”
Lando Norris hopes to pick up right where he left off last season, particularly in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his best weekend of the year.
“I know I can perform the way I did at Yas Marina—qualifying well, taking pole, and managing the race from there. Last year, I proved to myself that I can do it, so I feel very relaxed but also determined. I know I can stay in control, without getting nervous or worrying too much. I’m really excited for the new season. We want to start strong because we know very well that it will make things easier for all of us, especially in the championship fight.”
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