Identifying precisely why Lando Norris is facing difficulties with McLaren’s 2025 F1 car remains challenging for the squad, considering the extensive modifications from the MCL39 to its forebear.
Norris has for a considerable time disliked specific characteristics that dictate how McLaren’s line of vehicles should be handled, particularly during slow-speed turns. With the team making significant progress throughout 2024, leading Norris to become a frequent podium finisher, he also grew increasingly attuned to his vehicle.
But, while
McLaren
has begun 2025 with the same robust foundation it ended last season on, and
Oscar Piastri
Norris has now found it significantly more challenging to synchronize with the team’s updated equipment as he has grown alongside them to enhance performance. McLaren remains uncertain about how to resolve this issue at present.
The significant shift in performance—and consequently, driver confidence—despite consistent regulations can be attributed to McLaren implementing extensive modifications to their vehicle in an effort to maintain their edge instead of opting for a conservative approach.
It seems to have worked out well overall, with McLaren securing victories in three out of the initial four races. However, this also appears to have disrupted Norris’s performance.
Following last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Norris was typically self-critical for failing to assist McLaren secure an anticipated 1-2 victory behind Piastri, as team principal Andrea Stella pledged their commitment to improvement.
The team would bear part of the responsibility.
And assist the 25-year-old in getting more comfortable with his gear.
However, achieving this is more challenging, as explained by McLaren’s technical director of performance, Mark Temple, who notes that Lando Norris’ difficulties are so intricate and delicate that it’s difficult to precisely identify which specific yearly design modification is responsible for these issues.
“It’s quite intriguing, and this has been a topic of extensive discussion among us, particularly with Lando,” Temple stated in Jeddah. “Undoubtedly, he is exceptionally gifted both as a driver and an athlete. His sensitivity towards the vehicle truly reflects in his performances.”
Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, Lando Norris from McLaren
Photo credit: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
What this implies is that we aren’t sure exactly which of those modifications [is responsible for it]. While we understand what alterations were made to the car, figuring out how each one contributes to not feeling fully tuned in is quite challenging.
We are extensively discussing this with him, examining the data, and grasping the modifications we have implemented. It’s clear that there isn’t anything straightforward we can point to and say, ‘That’s everything we need to alter.’
McLaren must proceed cautiously as any significant modifications aimed at assisting Norris might also compromise the car’s maximum performance capability, something Piastri presently finds easier to maximize given his distinct driving approach.
Temple warned, “We genuinely need to delve deep into the specifics and adopt a thoroughly thoughtful and cautious strategy to ensure we don’t compromise the vehicle’s performance or end up making things more difficult for him.”
We have clearly examined the past few races; perhaps some small adjustments could be beneficial. However, he should also assess his driving style and comprehend personally how the vehicle performs.
It seems Norris isn’t having trouble in just one specific area; instead, he mentioned after securing third place in Bahrain that understanding how the car will behave through each turn has become significantly more challenging this year compared to last.
“I can’t perform any of the laps as I did during the previous season,” stated Norris. “Last year, I understood each individual turn and could anticipate exactly what would occur with the vehicle—how things were going to unfold. It felt like I had complete control over the car.”
This year has been entirely different for me up until now. In Australia, regardless of winning the race or not, I didn’t feel at ease. The car performed exceptionally well, which helped resolve many issues temporarily; however, my current skills aren’t close to where they should be.
I invested a significant amount of time attempting to understand the differences between this year and last year. Am I at fault? Or has something about the car altered? The situation is complex. However, I am not questioning my abilities, despite how it might occasionally appear.
