Lando Norris Optimistic About McLaren’s Imola....

Lando Norris Optimistic About McLaren’s Imola….read more

Lando Norris is looking forward to a significant performance boost as McLaren prepares to introduce a suite of upgrades at the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola. The British driver hopes the improvements will enhance his chances in the 2025 Formula 1 title race, especially as he looks to catch up to teammate Oscar Piastri, who currently holds a 16-point advantage in the Drivers’ Championship.

The Imola race kicks off the European leg of the season—a period traditionally marked by major car development efforts. With teams now operating closer to their home bases and having had time to evaluate the season’s early data, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is often the stage where significant technical updates are deployed. McLaren is among the teams expected to bring notable changes to their car this weekend.

Despite the team’s strong start to the season—winning five of the first six races and opening up a commanding 105-point lead in the Constructors’ Championship—Norris has not yet felt fully comfortable with the MCL39 car. His struggles have been most noticeable in qualifying, where he has often lacked the one-lap pace that Piastri has consistently delivered.

Ahead of the race at Imola, Norris expressed cautious optimism regarding the new upgrades. He’s hopeful they will improve some of the car’s handling characteristics, which he believes have hindered his performance so far this year.

“I think the upgrades should definitely help,” Norris stated during a media session before the race weekend. “I’m not completely sure when everything will be implemented—it’s going to be a gradual process. But I also don’t want to be entirely dependent on upgrades to solve everything.”

In addition to the expected technical improvements, Norris highlighted the importance of working on his own performance. He acknowledged that part of the challenge lies in adapting his driving style to the evolving characteristics of the car. “There are personal adjustments I’m working on, and I hope those changes will bring better results rather than just waiting for the car to improve. What’s encouraging is that the team and I are collaborating closely to get to the bottom of these issues.”

The contrast between Norris and Piastri’s performance this season has marked a shift from 2024, when Norris generally had the upper hand. Piastri has now taken on the role of a frontrunner in the championship, with four wins in the last five Grands Prix. His form has made him a top contender for the title and a favorite among bookmakers.

Reflecting on the season so far, Norris acknowledged that several variables have changed compared to last year. “The car behaves differently now. The way it produces lap time, the setup, and what I need to do to maximize performance—it’s all a bit different,” he said. “Some of the issues are straightforward, but others are more complex and take time to sort out.”

Despite the setbacks, Norris remains determined and positive. He believes that the combination of McLaren’s engineering efforts and his personal development will eventually bear fruit. “It’s all about staying focused and pushing hard. Progress doesn’t always come quickly, but if we stay united as a team and keep learning, I’m confident we’ll get there,” he remarked.

As the paddock turns its attention to Imola, the spotlight will be on whether the new upgrades can help Norris close the gap to Piastri and put himself firmly back in the hunt for the championship. The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix may prove to be a turning point—not just for McLaren’s technical package, but for Norris’s campaign as well.