Breaking Lando Norris Hits Back at Red Bull's Scrutiny Over McLar

Lando Norris Hits Back at Red Bull’s Scrutiny Over McLaren’s Legality

Lando Norris has pushed back against criticisms from Red Bull Racing, urging the reigning champions to focus on improving their own performance instead of questioning McLaren’s methods.

Following a strong 2024 season that saw McLaren climb to the top of the constructors’ standings, the team has carried that momentum into 2025, starting the new campaign in dominant form. However, their recent success has raised eyebrows in the paddock, with some rival teams—most notably Red Bull—expressing concerns about whether McLaren’s car fully complies with current regulations.

Speaking during the Bahrain Grand Prix weekend, Norris firmly defended McLaren’s performance and development strategy. “We are fully within the rules,” he said. “We’re doing a good job. Red Bull have had plenty of time to do the same as us, and they’re not. Instead of complaining, they should just do a better job.”

The 2024 season had already seen McLaren come under fire, particularly from Red Bull and Ferrari, over suspicions surrounding the use of rear flexi wings. Despite the scrutiny, the FIA cleared McLaren’s design as legal ahead of the 2025 season. With McLaren continuing to perform at a high level this year, the debate around the legality of their car has resurfaced.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has indicated that a forthcoming clampdown on front wing flex—scheduled for implementation at round nine of the 2025 season—might narrow the performance gap between teams. Norris, however, dismissed Horner’s comments, insisting that the FIA’s actions have so far had no impact on McLaren’s performance and likely won’t moving forward.

“We respect the FIA and appreciate that they’re working to ensure everyone stays within the rules,” Norris explained. “The previous clampdowns didn’t affect us, and I’m not sure the upcoming ones will either. At the end of the day, there are plenty of things Red Bull do that push the limits as well.”

Norris emphasized that McLaren prefers to stay focused on their own development rather than get involved in public disputes. “We can play that game too, but we don’t. We focus on ourselves instead of complaining about what others are doing.”

Norris’ comments come amid a competitive start to the 2025 campaign. Though he faced a difficult qualifying session in Bahrain and started sixth on the grid, he recovered impressively to finish third behind teammate Oscar Piastri and Mercedes driver George Russell. The result allowed Norris to retain a slim lead in the drivers’ championship heading into this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Despite Red Bull’s previous dominance in Formula 1, their 2025 campaign has been more turbulent as they try to catch up to McLaren’s pace. Meanwhile, McLaren’s rise to the top has been attributed to smart development, technical innovation, and strong driver performances across the board.

As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how teams adapt to the upcoming regulatory changes and whether Red Bull can close the gap to a resurgent McLaren squad. But for now, Norris is standing firm—confident in McLaren’s approach and unbothered by rivals’ complaints.