Lando Norris Sets Realistic Expectations for McLaren in 2025
The 2025 Formula 1 season is right around the corner, and while excitement is at an all-time high, Lando Norris is keeping things in check when it comes to expectations for McLaren. The British driver, fresh off a strong 2024 season, isn't predicting any massive leaps ahead for his team. Instead, he believes McLaren will be right in the thick of it, battling with Ferrari and Red Bull at the front.
Looking back at last season, McLaren made remarkable progress, closing the gap to their top rivals and even securing their first Teams’ Championship since 1998. That was a huge moment for the team and their fans. But as the new season kicks off, Norris is making it clear that while McLaren has improved, they're not expecting a "big step" in performance compared to their competitors.
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Speaking during pre-season testing in Bahrain, Norris explained that the MCL39—the team’s 2025 challenger—feels familiar, which he sees as a positive. "It feels similar, which is a good start—that’s where we want it to start, at least," Norris said. He emphasized that the team’s goal has been to build upon last year’s progress rather than overhaul the car entirely.
One key area Norris pointed out was the rear of the car, something McLaren is still working to optimize. He admitted that the team has struggled a bit more with the rear than they would have liked during testing, but it’s still early days. At this stage, outright performance isn’t the main focus—McLaren is gathering data, fine-tuning their setup, and preparing for the real test when racing begins.
As for the competition, Norris is well aware of the challenges ahead. With Max Verstappen aiming for his fifth consecutive title, Ferrari energized by Lewis Hamilton’s arrival, and Mercedes looking to reclaim their dominance, the 2025 grid is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. Norris himself has been growing into a formidable contender, showing that he can go toe-to-toe with the best.
Last season, we saw him rise to the occasion in races like Zandvoort, where he chased down Verstappen, and Singapore, where he demonstrated masterful racecraft. He’s learned from past mistakes, especially in high-pressure moments, and has developed the confidence to lead from the front. But as Norris acknowledges, competing against the likes of Verstappen means being prepared for intense, wheel-to-wheel battles.
With McLaren expected to be right in the fight, the question remains: Can Norris bring his A-game consistently and challenge for the title? Will McLaren’s steady progress be enough to take on Red Bull and Ferrari in a season that’s shaping up to be a classic? One thing’s for sure—Norris isn’t shying away from the challenge, and the 2025 season promises to deliver some incredible moments on track.
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