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Lando Norris’s Meteoric Rise: The New McLaren Powerhouse Set to Dominate F1 in 2025

Arthur Ling by Arthur Ling
March 26, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Lando Norris Admits Error Cost Him in Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race

Formula One F1 - Chinese Grand Prix - Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China - March 22, 2025 McLaren's Lando Norris after qualifying in third position REUTERS/Go Nakamura

Lando Norris, the McLaren sensation, faced a rollercoaster weekend at the Chinese Grand Prix, highlighting both his struggles and his potential to dominate the Formula 1 grid in 2025. Despite trailing behind teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris’s candid revelations about his challenges with McLaren’s new MCL39 car indicate a possible turning point in his racing career.

Entering the second race of the season as the championship leader, thanks to a thrilling victory in a rain-soaked Australian GP, Norris was the driver to watch. However, his frank admission in Shanghai about discomfort with the MCL39’s handling took center stage. Norris confessed that while his Melbourne victory was a triumph, he wrestled with a car that didn’t suit his aggressive driving style.

Norris explained that the MCL39 requires a more passive driving approach, contrary to his preference for late braking and aggressive cornering. “It’s similar to last year’s car, but some characteristics don’t suit my attacking style,” Norris shared. Despite this, he acknowledged the need to adapt his driving style each season.

The McLaren cars have long been known for their unique challenges, a sentiment echoed by former drivers like Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz. This year, as McLaren returns to the forefront of Formula 1, these quirks have become even more pronounced.

During the Chinese GP weekend, Norris appeared to have the pace but struggled with consistency, highlighted by mistakes in Sprint Qualifying that left him starting sixth on the grid. A mishap on the opening lap of the shortened race dropped him to ninth, though he managed to claw back to eighth before the race’s end.

Norris’s fortunes seemed to turn as parc fermé adjustments improved his car’s performance, allowing him to challenge Piastri’s pole position dominance. Yet, Piastri’s smoother handling of the MCL39’s limitations saw him secure the pole with two impressive laps, splitting the McLarens with George Russell’s Mercedes.

Norris’s struggle was most evident in the long corners and the critical Turn 14 hairpin, where Piastri’s confidence shone. Despite adjustments, Norris couldn’t completely overcome the MCL39’s understeer, admitting, “I can’t drive a car with no front. It’s been too understeery.”

Team Principal Andrea Stella acknowledged that the 2025 car’s quirks affect Norris more than Piastri, attributing it to the car’s behavior and tire performance on Shanghai’s track. Nevertheless, Norris excelled in race conditions, overtaking Russell twice to secure McLaren’s 50th 1-2 finish in Formula 1.

Despite a late-race brake issue, which almost cost him a podium finish, Norris’s resilience in Shanghai could mark a pivotal moment in his campaign. Drawing parallels to Max Verstappen’s 2023 Azerbaijan GP experience, Norris’s learnings could propel him to new heights.

With a slim 10-point lead over Piastri, Norris remains in the title hunt, poised to capitalize on his newfound insights. This weekend’s challenges may well be the catalyst that propels Norris to his first Drivers’ Championship, echoing Verstappen’s journey to greatness.

As McLaren’s internal battle heats up, the racing world watches closely. Will Norris emerge as the supreme McLaren driver of 2025? Only time will tell as the season unfolds.

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