Lando Norris has expressed that he is “nervous and excited” about the prospect of a possible Formula 1 title battle against McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in 2025.
Piastri converting pole position at the Chinese Grand Prix succeeded Norris prevailing at the season-opening round in Australia to make it one win apiece at McLaren.
The Australian’s spin on home soil, which dropped him to an eventual ninth place, has ensured Norris upholds the upper hand with a 10-point lead over his team-mate.
But while three places separate the duo, the Woking-based squad’s evident pace advantage has seen the championship be billed as a duel between Norris and Piastri.
Norris has insisted he is prepared to go head-to-head with Piastri, although he acknowledged their cordial partnership will be tested as both pursue the ultimate prize.
“I think we are [ready],” Norris, who survived late brake trouble to come home second in Shanghai, told media including Motorsport Week.
“I mean, yeah, we were free to race today. I didn’t have the pace to really get up to Oscar, and he drove very well. So he deserved it.
“Same really last weekend. There were those two laps that I know everyone loves to talk about where we just held position, but the rest of it, we were free to race.
“I’m sure we’re going to have some closer racing at some point. I think we’re excited – probably nervous and excited at the same time – as I’m sure the team will be.
Norris insists McLaren is the priority
Norris has stressed that his and Piastri’s ambitions must not come at a cost to the team result, though, as he warned that McLaren’s margin could soon be eroded.
“We know as much as we work together and we have a good time and enjoy ourselves, we both know we want to try and beat each other and show who’s best.
“That’s inevitable. So there’s no point trying to hide away from that fact or make something of it. We’re two competitors who both want to win. But we help each other out.
“I think we both achieved something better this weekend because of that fact. And we’ll continue to do that.
“So I’m sure at the minute it’s going to be like that, but like Oscar said, at any point other teams can find something.
“Other teams have talked about upgrades and stuff already and they can catch up quicker than you think, just like we did last year.
“So as much as we’re doing that, we also have to think as a team and keep pushing the team forward from that side.”
READ MORE – Lando Norris: Chinese GP provided ‘answers for my struggles’ with McLaren F1 car
