Lando Norris acknowledges that both he and Oscar Piastri, along with McLaren, are feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension regarding the possibility of competing against each other for the Formula 1 world championship. However, Norris believes McLaren is well-prepared to handle this situation.
McLaren has emerged as a strong contender, with their drivers securing the first two Grand Prix victories of the season. Piastri`s misfortune in wet conditions at the Australian Grand Prix, where he spun on dry tires, potentially cost the team a dominant one-two finish in both races.
Despite dropping points in Melbourne, Piastri`s win in China places him just 10 points behind Norris in the current standings. Red Bull`s Max Verstappen and Mercedes` George Russell are positioned between the McLaren drivers, but Norris and Piastri are expected to be leading contenders for victory at the upcoming race in Japan on April 6.
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When questioned about the potential challenges of a season-long title battle between teammates, Norris responded, `We were allowed to race freely in China, although I lacked the pace to challenge Oscar, who drove exceptionally well and deserved the win. The same applied to the previous weekend.`
Norris referred to a brief period in the Australian GP where team positions were maintained, but emphasized that generally, they are permitted to race each other.
`I am confident that we will have closer battles in the future. We are both excited, and perhaps a little nervous, as is the team, but we are ready for it,` Norris stated.
1) Lando Norris, McLaren – 44 points
2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull – 36 points
3) George Russell, Mercedes – 35 points
4) Oscar Piastri, McLaren – 34 points
`We understand that while we collaborate effectively and enjoy a positive relationship, we are both driven to outperform each other and prove our superiority,` Norris added.
`This competitive spirit is inevitable, and we don`t try to hide from it. We are competitors striving for victory, but we also support each other. Our mutual drive contributed to our improved performance this weekend, and we will continue to work together in this way.`
However, Norris cautioned against assuming that only he and Piastri will consistently contend for victories.
`While it appears that way currently, as Oscar mentioned, other teams can quickly make gains,` he noted.
`Other teams have announced upgrades and could close the gap faster than anticipated, similar to our progress last year. Therefore, while focusing on our internal competition, we must also maintain a team perspective and continuously push McLaren forward.`
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented after the Chinese GP:
“We have been preparing for this scenario for a considerable time.
`In Formula 1, it is presumptuous to declare complete readiness. We learn continuously because situations are complex and ever-changing. Like performance, reliability, and operations, team management is also a learning process.
“Crucially, everyone`s commitment to the team’s interests aligns with our core principles.
“We are fortunate to have Oscar and Lando, whose natural approach enhances the team`s performance. Their internal competition will present challenges, but we will address them, learn, and improve our team-focused approach.”
Norris: Piastri Partnership is a `Major Advantage` for McLaren
Amidst speculation that Red Bull might reconsider their second driver alongside Max Verstappen, Norris reiterated the strength of McLaren`s driver lineup.
The young pairing of Norris and Piastri is entering their third season and was instrumental in McLaren`s first constructors` title since 1998 last year.
`Apart from Ferrari, I believe no other team has two drivers who push each other as intensely as we do,` Norris stated.
`This is a significant advantage for us. Even with identical cars, a team with two highly competitive drivers will consistently outperform teams with less internal drive.
`We have a strong car, a great team, and two drivers who motivate each other more than any other pairing. This will always be a winning formula, even against the most talented individual driver. Our ability to learn from each other is a key strength currently.`
Piastri added, `We have different strengths and weaknesses as drivers. This weekend, certain track conditions favored my driving style. On other weekends, I`ve learned from Lando`s approach and adapted it to my own driving. This mutual learning is a definite benefit.`
`Having strong teammates promotes mutual improvement. While the exact lap time gains from this dynamic are hard to quantify, there is undoubtedly a positive impact.`
