Ferrari will be in contention to win in Australia, and McLaren is not as strong as it seems—at least according to Lando Norris, the Woking team’s driver and one of the favorites for the 2025 title. On the eve of the Melbourne GP, the British driver had a few things to get off his chest, showing some frustration with the overwhelming predictions favoring McLaren.
After their title-winning performance in Abu Dhabi, McLaren was somewhat overshadowed during the winter by the media frenzy surrounding Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. Between expectations and bold statements, the Scuderia had drawn most of the attention. But by February, testing in Bahrain had shifted the spotlight onto McLaren, which looked impressive, especially in long runs.
Lando Norris irritated: “Everyone is playing the underdog!”
Ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, the British driver expressed some annoyance with this renewed attention on Woking. “I know there are big expectations; everyone is talking about it… It’s all because of that one race simulation I did in Bahrain. Everyone thought it looked very competitive. It was a good long run, but it happened in the best possible conditions!” – he pointed out.
The 1999-born Briton does not appreciate the pressure of being the favorite. “People have short memories. Too many conclusions are being drawn before the season even starts. Everyone wants to play the ‘underdog’ role, trying to lower expectations.”
“But people can talk all they want. We have to stay focused on ourselves. We want to be fast and expect to be fighting at the front, but certainly not with the advantage that everyone is claiming!” Norris said, visibly irritated, to the media in Melbourne.
Lando Norris fears Ferrari: “How much fuel in Bahrain…”
The McLaren driver does not trust his rivals, who, in his view, are being falsely modest. “I think we’re in a similar position to the other three top teams. There were many things the public didn’t see, where Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari looked really strong.” – the Briton added.
Lando Norris tried to shift the focus onto McLaren’s competitors, showing particular concern for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. “I know how much fuel and other things Ferrari had for a good part of the tests in Bahrain. You’ll be surprised to see how fast they are already this weekend,” Lando Norris concluded on media day in Australia.
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