Lando Norris Unleashes Bold Truths: McLaren Not Sandbagging in Bahrain!
In a fiery exchange during the Bahrain pre-season testing, McLaren star Lando Norris has thrown down the gauntlet, dismissing any notions that his team was deliberately hiding their true pace. Speaking candidly to Sky F1’s Ted Kravitz, Norris insisted that the complexities of Formula 1 should not be overthought, boldly declaring, “F1 is for dummies… the driving part is anyway.”
The first official pre-season test at the Sakhir circuit showcased Mercedes dominating with a stunning 1-2 finish, led by Kimi Antonelli’s blistering 1:33.669. In stark contrast, McLaren, with Oscar Piastri clocking in at 1:34.549, found themselves trailing behind the titans of Ferrari and Red Bull. Norris's analysis was crystal clear: “We weren’t fast enough and we have a lot of work to do to try and improve.”
Ferrari, the standout performer, left a significant impression on Norris, who noted their remarkable long-run performance. “At the moment we’re not very close to Ferrari. We’re not bad, but we’re not fast enough,” he emphasized, laying bare the competitive gap. Meanwhile, Red Bull’s new Ford power unit has also captured his attention, leading him to remark, “They have a very good power unit by the looks of things. They deploy and have a lot of efficiency. We need to understand how they have that.”
Norris’s comments reflect a pragmatic optimism, recognizing the need for McLaren and their engine supplier, Mercedes, to refine their approach. When Kravitz probed about the potential for teams to “sandbag,” Norris was quick to shut down the speculation: “When you do a race run, you’re full fuel, so you can’t really hide that much.” His emphatic head shake at the suggestion of light fuel running underlined his conviction: “No.”
The young driver’s assertion that “sometimes people aren’t that smart” highlights a refreshing perspective on the sport’s intricacies, as he dismissed the convoluted theories surrounding race strategies. As the automotive world gears up for the Australian Grand Prix, the stakes have never been higher, and McLaren is determined to sharpen its edge.
As the pre-season testing unfolds, the pressure mounts on Norris and his team to bridge the gap to their competitors. The unmistakable message is clear: McLaren is here to compete, not to conceal. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching as Norris and McLaren strive to unleash their full potential ahead of the racing season. Buckle up, because this is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling Formula 1 season!








