Before the 2025 Formula 1 season began, bookmakers in Britain surprisingly picked Lando Norris as the favorite for the championship, even ahead of Max Verstappen, the four-time champion.
While Norris acknowledged this new status, Oscar Piastri, his McLaren teammate, quietly stated his own ambition for the title, despite being considered less likely by bookmakers compared to Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Now, after just four races, Piastri has surpassed Norris as the favorite, even though he is slightly behind Norris in the points standings.
It`s uncertain if the title battle will truly be between these two McLaren drivers, as Verstappen of Red Bull and George Russell of Mercedes are close behind. However, the shift in how these two McLaren drivers are perceived is definitely interesting.
Ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, we examine why Norris has quickly gone from being seen as McLaren`s primary hope to being the underdog within his own team.
Can Norris Handle the Pressure?
Lando Norris`s speed has never been questioned. While Verstappen might be in a league of his own, Norris proved last year that he can dominate races when he has a leading car, as he tried to catch Verstappen.
However, despite having a slight speed advantage in some 2024 races, Norris didn`t win, raising questions about whether he gets in his own way. Recurring issues included losing the lead at race starts, and he often expressed self-doubt and admitted Verstappen`s superiority.
The expectation was that consistently competing at the front in 2024 would prepare Norris for a title challenge in 2025. Initially, things looked promising when he secured pole position and won the Australian Grand Prix in challenging conditions.
After that win, Russell made notable comments suggesting McLaren had an even greater advantage than Red Bull had in their dominant 2023 season. Russell also pointed out that unlike Red Bull, McLaren doesn`t have Verstappen, implying a better chance for competitors.
Russell repeatedly mentioned Norris`s favorite status in press conferences and around the paddock, which seemed to irritate Norris.
Norris struggled in China, getting only one point in the Sprint race and finishing second to Piastri in the main race. He outperformed Piastri in Japan but again finished second, this time behind Verstappen, who surprisingly beat the McLarens.
Verstappen later claimed he would have easily won in a McLaren at Suzuka and reiterated this before the Bahrain race. Norris responded to Verstappen`s remarks but then had another disappointing performance, qualifying sixth and finishing third.
After qualifying, Norris confessed to feeling `clueless` and `like he had never driven an F1 car before`. It`s unclear how much his rivals` comments affect him, but they are clearly trying to increase the pressure.
Norris`s Perspective on His Struggles
Despite acknowledging McLaren has the fastest car, Norris has hinted at issues and dissatisfaction with its performance since the season`s start.
After Piastri significantly outperformed him in Bahrain, Norris admitted he isn`t `clicking` with the car and is not performing to his potential.
Norris explained, “I can`t drive like I did last season. I knew every corner, how the car would behave. I felt in control.”
“This year feels completely opposite. Even in Australia, despite winning, I lacked confidence.”
“The car is incredibly fast, which helps overcome many issues. But I`m not driving as well as I know I can, which is frustrating.”
“I`m confident in my ability, but without confidence in the car—knowing its limits in slow and high-speed corners—I can`t be as fast as needed.”
Norris believes his early-season inconsistencies stem from his relationship with the MCL39. His openness about these struggles is quite unusual.
Martin Brundle from Sky Sports F1 commented in Bahrain that Norris tends to be very self-critical when disappointed, which is his way of processing things. He also suggested that Norris might downplay his own performance to reduce external pressure.
Brundle added that using words like `clueless` is surprising given Norris is near the top of the championship. He cautioned that this approach might give rivals like Piastri, Leclerc, and Verstappen a sense of weakness to exploit.
Piastri`s Progress Surpasses Expectations
Perhaps Norris`s biggest challenge is Piastri`s rapid improvement, especially early in his third F1 season.
Last season, Norris dominated Piastri in qualifying 21-3. However, this season it`s 2-2 after four races, with Piastri even outqualifying Norris in the China Sprint.
While Norris seemed to have better race pace in 2024, that gap hasn`t been evident this season.
Piastri has actually pressured Norris more when behind him in races like Australia and Japan than Norris managed in China. Piastri won convincingly in Shanghai and even more so in Bahrain, becoming the first driver with two wins this season.
Piastri`s only setback was a spin in the Melbourne rain, costing him a likely second place at his home race. However, his strong recovery from that ninth-place finish quickly made up for lost ground.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella made a significant statement after the Bahrain race, suggesting the 2025 car might suit Piastri`s driving style better than Norris`s.
Stella explained that changes to the car might have made things slightly harder for Norris, acknowledging a technical aspect favoring Piastri, and mentioned they are working to address it.
Despite this, McLaren has built a car that is currently leading the pack. If Piastri continues to win dominantly, McLaren may not be inclined to change the MCL39 significantly.
Regardless of car characteristics, Piastri has improved his qualifying speed and tire management, both crucial areas for development.
Piastri`s Composure
Despite some initial doubts about his speed, Piastri has shown remarkable composure since his F1 debut in 2023.
The two McLaren drivers have contrasting approaches. Piastri reveals little to the media, regardless of performance.
While Norris`s openness is more engaging for journalists, Piastri seems to handle race weekends with less stress.
Before the Bahrain race, Martin Brundle noted Piastri`s speed, talent, and growing experience with McLaren.
Brundle observed Piastri`s calm demeanor both on and off the track, predicting this mental strength would be a significant asset this season.
As Brundle suggests, Piastri`s composed approach is unlikely to change with his new status.
While Norris attributes his struggles to the car, it will be interesting to see if becoming the underdog might help him regain his best form in Saudi Arabia.
Marcus Prine