Lando Norris has acknowledged that both he and Oscar Piastri, along with McLaren, are experiencing a mix of `nervousness and excitement` at the prospect of contending for the Formula 1 world championship. However, Norris believes the team is well-prepared to manage this situation.
McLaren`s strong performance, which was evident even before the season began, has positioned them as serious contenders. The team`s drivers have already secured victories in the first two Grand Prix events of the season. A potential McLaren one-two finish was only prevented at the Australian Grand Prix opener due to Piastri`s spin in wet conditions on dry tires.
Despite securing a win in China, Piastri`s lost points in Melbourne mean Norris currently holds a 10-point lead over him in the driver standings. Red Bull`s Max Verstappen and Mercedes` George Russell are positioned between the McLaren drivers. The McLaren duo is expected to be strong contenders for victory again at the upcoming race in Japan on April 6.
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When questioned about the potential for a season-long title battle between him and his teammate and the possible complications it could bring, Norris commented, `We had the freedom to race in China, although I didn`t have the pace to truly challenge Oscar, who drove exceptionally well and deserved the win. The same applied to the previous weekend.`
`During the Australian GP, there were a couple of laps where we maintained positions, which is often discussed, but for the majority of the race, we were allowed to compete freely.`
`I am certain that we will have closer racing moments in the future. We are both excited, perhaps a blend of nervousness and excitement, as I`m sure the team is too. But we are prepared.`
Current Top of Drivers` Championship Standings
1) Lando Norris, McLaren – 44 points
2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 36 points
3) George Russell, Mercedes – 35 points
4) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 34 points
`We are aware that despite our teamwork and positive relationship, we both have a strong desire to outperform each other and prove who is superior.`
`That competitive element is inevitable, and there`s no need to avoid acknowledging it or making it a bigger issue than it is.`
`We are two competitors striving for victory, but we also support each other. I believe we both achieved better results this weekend because of this dynamic, and we intend to continue in this manner.`
However, Norris emphasized that it`s not guaranteed that only he and Piastri will consistently be at the forefront fighting for wins.
`Currently, it might seem that way, but as Oscar mentioned, other teams can introduce upgrades at any moment,` he added.
`Other teams have already spoken about upgrades and have the potential to close the gap faster than anticipated, similar to our own progress last year. While we are focused on our internal competition, we must also maintain a team-oriented approach and continue to push the team forward as a whole.`
Is McLaren Prepared for Both Drivers to Compete for the Title?
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented after the Chinese GP:
“In reality, we have been striving to be ready for this for a considerable time.
`Like everything in Formula 1, it would be presumptuous to claim ‘we are now ready’ or ‘we were ready’. We learn continuously because the situations are very complex and never unfold in the same way. We must keep learning in team management, just as we do with performance, reliability, and operations.
“What is crucial for me is that everyone upholds fundamental values that support the team`s interests in a healthy manner and according to our principles.
“And, I must reiterate, we are very fortunate to have Oscar and Lando because their approach is natural. So far, having Oscar and Lando, for me, is simply a way to enhance the team`s performance.
`Internal competition is expected, and there will undoubtedly be challenging situations. However, I am confident that we will review these situations, learn from them, and further improve how we safeguard the team`s interests.”
Norris: Piastri Partnership a `Significant Advantage` for McLaren
Amidst speculation that Red Bull is again considering options for their second driver position alongside Max Verstappen, particularly after Liam Lawson`s difficult start to the season, Norris has once more highlighted the strength of McLaren`s driver lineup.
The young pairing of Norris and Piastri is now in their third season together and was instrumental in McLaren securing their first constructors` title since 1998 last year.
`Apart from Ferrari, I don`t believe any other team has two drivers who push each other as intensely as we do,` Norris stated.
`For us, this is a considerable advantage. Even with identical cars for every team, a team with two drivers constantly pushing each other will consistently outperform teams where drivers are more isolated.`
`We have an excellent car, a fantastic team, but also two drivers who push each other harder than any other team. This will always be a winning formula, even against the most talented individual driver on the grid. Our ability to learn from each other is one of our biggest strengths currently.`
Piastri, who celebrated his third Grand Prix victory in Shanghai, added, `I believe we possess different strengths and weaknesses as drivers. This weekend, certain aspects seemed to favor my driving style more naturally.`
`However, there have been other weekends where the opposite was true, and I`ve had to analyze Lando`s driving and adapt accordingly. This exchange is undoubtedly a significant benefit for us.`
`Having strong teammates ensures continuous mutual learning. It`s impossible to quantify the exact lap time gained from this mutual push, but it undeniably contributes positively.`
Formula 1 is heading to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6.
Marcus Prine