Lando Norris Sounds Alarm Ahead of Las Vegas Grand Prix: Is McLaren Set for Another Struggle?
As the excitement builds for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, one voice stands out amidst the noise—Lando Norris. The McLaren star is openly expressing his trepidation about the team’s prospects at this iconic street circuit. After securing impressive victories in Mexico and Brazil, Norris holds a 24-point lead over his teammate Oscar Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship. Yet, he enters this next race with a heavy heart and a looming sense of doubt.
Norris’s apprehension stems from McLaren’s troubling track record at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, where the team has consistently faltered. Last year, despite a car that ultimately clinched the Constructors’ Championship, Norris crossed the finish line in a disappointing sixth place while Piastri trailed closely behind in seventh. The Las Vegas Grand Prix has proven to be a quagmire for McLaren, and Norris isn’t shy about his concerns.
“Las Vegas was our worst race last year, so I’m not really looking forward to it,” he declared bluntly. The cooler evening temperatures of Las Vegas are a stark departure from the conditions McLaren typically excels in, and Norris fears that this could hinder their performance yet again. “We’ve been trying to work quite hard on improving those things,” he added, acknowledging the fierce competition from Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, who have all outperformed McLaren in the past.
When pressed by a journalist regarding his seemingly pessimistic outlook, Norris defended his honesty. “I can say what I want. I can think what I want… If I don’t think we’re going to be quick, I don’t think we’re going to be quick. I’m just saying I think it’s going to be difficult to win.” His frankness underscores a broader concern—McLaren’s struggle to adapt to the unique challenges posed by Las Vegas.
In response to these woes, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella seeks to inject optimism. He believes that lessons learned from last year’s race could translate into improvements this time around. Unlike last year, McLaren approaches the Las Vegas race with the Constructors’ Championship already secured, shifting the focus to the individual battle between Norris and Piastri for the drivers’ title. “Vegas last year was one of the most difficult races. We had difficulties with the behaviour of the tyres, and we’ve taken steps to improve our aerodynamic efficiency and car setup,” Stella explained.
Meanwhile, across the paddock, Mercedes is also bracing for an uphill battle. Last year’s performance saw George Russell and Lewis Hamilton dominate, but team principal Toto Wolff is cautious about expectations this time. “I doubt we can replicate that kind of performance,” he admitted, acknowledging that their recent form has not matched their ambitious projections. Wolff’s remarks reveal a team grappling with inconsistency, despite their previous successes.
As the tension mounts and the lights of Las Vegas prepare to dazzle, the stakes are higher than ever. The upcoming race promises to be a nail-biter, with questions swirling around whether McLaren can rise to the occasion or if Mercedes can reclaim their former glory. Fans will be glued to their screens, eager to witness the drama unfold on the storied streets of Las Vegas.
This high-octane showdown is set for November 21-23, and with both teams under pressure, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in the thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season. The world will be watching—will McLaren overcome their past, or will Mercedes find the magic once more?








