Lando Norris acknowledges that both he and Oscar Piastri, along with McLaren, are experiencing a mix of nervousness and excitement regarding the potential for a direct competition for the Formula 1 world championship. However, he is confident that the team is well-prepared to handle such a situation.
McLaren has validated their pre-season status as title contenders, with their drivers securing the first two Grand Prix victories of the season. Their chances for a one-two finish were only disrupted by Piastri`s spin on slick tires during a wet race at the Australian Grand Prix season opener.
Despite dropping points in Melbourne, Piastri`s win in China places Norris ahead by 10 points in the current standings. Red Bull`s Max Verstappen and Mercedes` George Russell are positioned between them. The McLaren duo are expected to be strong contenders for victory at the upcoming race in Japan on April 6th.
When questioned about the possibility of a season-long title race between him and his teammate and the potential challenges it might present, Norris commented, “We were allowed to race freely [in China]. I didn`t have the pace to truly challenge Oscar, and he performed exceptionally well, deserving the win. The same applied to the previous weekend.”
He added, “There were a couple of laps in the Australian GP that everyone seems to focus on where we maintained positions, but otherwise, we were free to race.”
“I`m sure we will have closer racing at some point. I believe we are both excited, perhaps also nervous, as I`m sure the team is too. But we are prepared.”
“We understand that while we collaborate effectively and enjoy a good relationship, we both have the ambition to outperform each other and prove who is superior.”
“This is inevitable, and there`s no point in denying it or exaggerating it.”
“We are two competitors aiming to win, but we also support each other. I believe we both achieved a better outcome this weekend because of this dynamic, and we will continue to do so.”
Norris emphasized that it`s not guaranteed that only he and Piastri will be consistently vying for victories at the front.
“Currently, it might seem that way, but as Oscar mentioned, other teams can always make improvements,” he stated.
“Other teams have already mentioned upgrades and the possibility of catching up quickly, similar to what we did last year. While we are focused on our performance, we must also operate as a team and continue to push the team forward from all aspects.”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented after the Chinese GP: “In reality, we have been striving to be ready for this for a considerable time.”
“Like everything in Formula 1, it would be presumptuous to declare `we are now ready` or `we were ready`. We learn continuously because the situations are very complex and never unfold identically. So, you must keep learning, just as you do with performance, reliability, and operations, also in how you manage a team.”
“What is crucial to me is that everyone upholds fundamental values that support the team`s interests and align with our principles.”
“And, again, I would say we are very fortunate with Oscar and Lando because it comes naturally, and so far, having Oscar and Lando, for me, is simply a way to elevate the team`s performance.”
“The internal competition will undoubtedly present challenges, but I am confident they will be addressed, and we will learn and further refine how we protect the team`s interests.”
Norris: Piastri Partnership a Significant Advantage for McLaren
Amidst speculation that Red Bull is again considering changes to their second driver alongside Max Verstappen following Liam Lawson`s difficult start to the season, Norris has once again highlighted McLaren`s driver lineup.
The young Norris-Piastri pairing is now in their third season and was instrumental in McLaren securing their first constructors` title since 1998 last year.
“Apart from Ferrari, I don`t believe any other team has two drivers who push each other nearly as much,” Norris stated.
“For us, this is a major advantage. Even with identical cars for everyone, a team with two drivers who constantly challenge each other will consistently outperform those with drivers who are more isolated.”
“So, we possess a great car, a great team, and also two drivers who are pushing each other more than any other team. This will always be a strength, even against the best individual driver. Our ability to learn from each other is currently one of our greatest assets.”
Piastri, who secured his third Grand Prix win in Shanghai, added, “I believe we have different strengths and weaknesses as drivers. This weekend, certain aspects naturally favored me.”
“And there have been other weekends where it was the opposite, and I`ve had to analyze Lando`s driving and apply those lessons myself. This is definitely an advantage we possess.”
“Having strong teammates allows for continuous learning. It`s hard to quantify exactly how much lap time is gained from this mutual pushing, but there is definitely a benefit.”
Formula 1 is heading to the iconic Suzuka Circuit for the Japanese Grand Prix on April 4-6.
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham