Formula 1 sensation Lando Norris has issued a stern demand to his McLaren team ahead of the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix. The 25-year-old driver, who currently leads the championship standings, is calling for an acceleration in team performance to fend off the looming threats of Ferrari and Red Bull. Norris believes that these rivals are hot on their heels and could potentially upset McLaren’s championship ambitions.
The British driver, who for the first time in his career is at the top of the drivers’ leaderboard, is resolute in his ambition to dethrone Max Verstappen as the reigning world champion. His determination extends not just to his personal performance on the race track but also in ensuring his team maximizes its potential. His comments come as a stern reminder to his team to not let their guard down, even as they lead the pack.
Norris, who led the pack at the 2025 F1 Australian Grand Prix, is convinced that the competition is closing in. He’s called on his team to step up their game at the upcoming Chinese Grand Prix, warning that Red Bull and Ferrari could potentially challenge them.
The McLaren star was candid in his interaction with the media, including Total-Motorsport.com. He admitted to hoping that things could be better and easier. Despite enjoying a significant lead over competitors in the previous race, Norris believes that the safety cars brought the competition closer.
However, the young driver’s confidence remains unshaken. He is aware that the dynamics of each race weekend differ, and while they might have had an advantage during qualifying, he acknowledges that Red Bull and Ferrari are not far behind. He specifically pointed out Ferrari’s potential to pose a greater challenge at the upcoming race.
The Chinese Grand Prix could indeed prove to be a pivotal moment in the 2025 F1 season. The one-hour Free Practice session, followed by the Sprint Race format could give rivals an opportunity to gain ground if any errors are made by Norris’s team. Both Red Bull and Mercedes have shown promising qualifying pace, and Ferrari is confident of a more competitive performance than in Australia.
As the teams gear up for the Sprint Qualifying on Friday, followed by the Sprint Race and Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, and the main event on Sunday, Norris remains bullish. He has vowed to enhance his performance and speed in Shanghai, in a bid to halt Verstappen’s title run.
Norris believes that a driver always pushes the limits of the car and seeks constant improvement. He admits that while his driving style was good, it wasn’t perfect. He acknowledges losing some performance during the race start and also points out the car’s challenging handling despite its good performance.
As the F1 circus moves to Shanghai, Norris’s call for more from his team underscores his relentless pursuit of excellence and determination to maintain his championship lead. It sets the stage for an intense battle at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix and adds an intriguing subplot to the unfolding 2025 Formula 1 season.