Lando Norris has stated he isn’t concerned about losing the points lead in Formula 1 to McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, despite admitting “I need to get a move on”.
Norris came into 2025 touted as the favourite to win a maiden Drivers’ title and he started the campaign on the ideal note with a win in the season opener in Australia.
But while he has stood on the podium three times in the subsequent four races, Norris hasn’t prevailed since Melbourne amid his troubles with McLaren’s MCL39 car.
Piastri has capitalised on his team-mate’s struggles to claim three victories since enduring disappointment on home soil to open up a 10-point advantage over Norris.
However, Norris has repudiated that Piastri’s recent momentum should prompt him to be worried that he is spurning his best chance to date to claim a championship.
Asked whether he was worried about Piastri’s run, though, Norris retorted to media including Motorsport Week in Miami: “No, not worried at all.
“He’s doing a good job and he deserves it. Nothing more than that.
“I don’t believe so much in the momentum stuff – that’s just my opinion.
“I’m doing what I can. I’ve clearly made some mistakes and not at the level I need to be, but I believe I can be at that level soon enough. So no reason to be worried.”
Norris optimistic about rebounding
But Norris, who has expressed he doesn’t want to be dependent on McLaren’s upgrades to resolve his issues, has recognised he must respond to Piastri’s surge soon.
“It’s round six of 24. I’m not going to say that forever, but I know I need to get a move on and get into gear a little bit,” he continued.
“I’m doing the best I can every weekend at the minute, trying to improve. But the speed is there, the pace is there, the race pace is definitely there.
“It’s just one thing I need to tidy up. It’s a difficult thing, but I’m confident I’ll get it.”
Norris hails Piastri relationship in McLaren pursuit
Norris insisted that the internal competition with Piastri has held a tangible role in McLaren’s recent success, as he lavished praise on the team spirit within the group.
“It’s great. Obviously, there’s a good atmosphere because it’s the best start to a season McLaren have had for many, many years,” Norris highlighted.
“For a lot of people back at MTC, it’s a dream start – we’re winning races. That’s what we’re here to do and to achieve. To lead both championships is our goal.
“It’s a great atmosphere, but the main thing is everyone’s still working together very well.
“There’s determination for this year but also a lot of focus on next year and making sure we don’t relax or get complacent.
“But also that we know why we are doing well. Which I think is very important. It’s not like we’ve lucked into the position we are in now.
“We understand our strengths, weaknesses, where our threats come from – all of those things.
“The team is very competent at the minute and that’s a very good position to be in.
“With some leaders, like Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella], who keep the team on their toes, with working hard, looking ahead to the future, and reminding us of our competition and how close they can be.
“And the fact that we didn’t win all the races so far – we’re not happy about that. It’s a very good spirit in the team.
“Same with Oscar – we’re both getting along, enjoy working together. I push him, he pushes me, and that’s good for the team. So yeah, all positive things.”
READ MORE – Lando Norris avoiding reliance on McLaren upgrades to cure MCL39 struggles
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