Lando Norris has shared a realistic outlook for McLaren’s prospects in the 2025 Formula 1 season, emphasizing that the team is not expecting to take a significant step ahead of rivals like Red Bull and Ferrari.
Speaking during pre-season testing in Bahrain, the 25-year-old British driver stressed that McLaren’s focus remains on consistent improvements rather than dramatic overhauls.
Reflecting on the new MCL39 challenger, Norris said, “It feels similar, which is a good start. We’ve just tried to make the car quicker all round and add more load. The more we can improve the rear of the car, the better everything will feel.”
He highlighted that the team is still fine-tuning certain areas, with rear-end stability remaining a key challenge during testing.
The 2024 season marked a resurgence for McLaren, culminating in their first Teams’ Championship win since 1998.
However, Norris acknowledged that starting the upcoming season strong is a priority, as McLaren struggled to find their rhythm early in 2024. “If we’re there fighting from the beginning, that’s our target,” he stated.
Despite cautious optimism, Norris remains hopeful that McLaren can match their top competitors and deliver thrilling battles on track.
“We’re expecting to be tied alongside Red Bull and Ferrari,” he added. “Considering how the last few years have been, if we can just be in the fight from the off, we’ll be happy.”
With the first Grand Prix of 2025 just around the corner in Melbourne, fans and critics alike will be watching to see whether McLaren can build on their recent successes and challenge for the top spots on the grid.
