KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Lando Norris adapting to MCL39
Despite a strong run of results—four podiums in four races, including a win at the Australian Grand Prix—Norris says the road hasn’t been smooth, and the car’s handling is forcing him out of his comfort zone.
Speaking candidly ahead of the next Grand Prix, Lando Norris described the adjustments he’s had to make behind the scenes.
“I’ve not been satisfied how the last few weekends have been, not because they’ve been bad weekends necessarily but because they’ve not been as good as they should be and as they can be,” said Norris, “I’m trying to do the best possible and when things aren’t going your way and things are not working as they should be then I’ve been a little bit disappointed. Some of that includes me having to drive in different ways and learn different things and that’s something I know I’m having to come into this weekend and try and do.”
His remarks follow a tough ride in Bahrain in which he started sixth, picked up a five-second penalty for a grid violation, and was hampered by overtakes before finally saving a third-place result. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri , in the meantime, swept the competition to win his second race of the season and cut the championship margin to a mere three points.
“I’m not going to be able to necessarily drive like I did last year and like I know I’m good at. Which is weird to say in my seventh season of F1 but I’m still learning things; the car is definitely different to how it’s been so I’m having to adapt a lot in uncomfortable ways. But I come in with probably less pressure; I put less pressure on myself because I probably understand a little bit more some of these reasons.” he added.
Eyes on the prize: Lando Norris hunting consistency in wake of early season lead
Where a championship lead may imply a flawless beginning, Lando Norris is more intent on personal progression and team advancement. With Oscar Piastri providing a serious challenge within McLaren's ranks, Norris is well aware that it takes more than adjusting to the car to stay at the front – it involves dominating it.
Also read: George Russell pulls out revenge on Lando Norris by sharing picture from his dressing room
As the 2025 Formula 1 season keeps getting hotter, everyone will be watching to see if the current points leader can maintain the lead—not only of the pack, but of the vehicle itself.
- Lando Norris admits he's had to change his driving style with McLaren 's MCL39
- The Briton tops the Drivers' Championship but feels recent races haven't lived up to his expectations
- Norris ' frank approach has been praised, including by F1 legend Sebastian Vettel
Lando Norris adapting to MCL39
Lando Norris opens up on his recent struggles with McLaren’s MCL39 👇
— Formula 1 (@F1) April 18, 2025
"The car is definitely different to how it's been so I'm having to adapt a lot in uncomfortable ways"#F1 #SaudiArabianGPhttps://t.co/lYEn88wwN6
Despite a strong run of results—four podiums in four races, including a win at the Australian Grand Prix—Norris says the road hasn’t been smooth, and the car’s handling is forcing him out of his comfort zone.
Speaking candidly ahead of the next Grand Prix, Lando Norris described the adjustments he’s had to make behind the scenes.
“I’ve not been satisfied how the last few weekends have been, not because they’ve been bad weekends necessarily but because they’ve not been as good as they should be and as they can be,” said Norris, “I’m trying to do the best possible and when things aren’t going your way and things are not working as they should be then I’ve been a little bit disappointed. Some of that includes me having to drive in different ways and learn different things and that’s something I know I’m having to come into this weekend and try and do.”
His remarks follow a tough ride in Bahrain in which he started sixth, picked up a five-second penalty for a grid violation, and was hampered by overtakes before finally saving a third-place result. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri , in the meantime, swept the competition to win his second race of the season and cut the championship margin to a mere three points.
“I’m not going to be able to necessarily drive like I did last year and like I know I’m good at. Which is weird to say in my seventh season of F1 but I’m still learning things; the car is definitely different to how it’s been so I’m having to adapt a lot in uncomfortable ways. But I come in with probably less pressure; I put less pressure on myself because I probably understand a little bit more some of these reasons.” he added.
Eyes on the prize: Lando Norris hunting consistency in wake of early season lead
Where a championship lead may imply a flawless beginning, Lando Norris is more intent on personal progression and team advancement. With Oscar Piastri providing a serious challenge within McLaren's ranks, Norris is well aware that it takes more than adjusting to the car to stay at the front – it involves dominating it.
Also read: George Russell pulls out revenge on Lando Norris by sharing picture from his dressing room
As the 2025 Formula 1 season keeps getting hotter, everyone will be watching to see if the current points leader can maintain the lead—not only of the pack, but of the vehicle itself.
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