F1 : Lando Norris Cautions McLaren As Rivals 'Have Caught Up A Little Bit'

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 22:00 IST

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lead McLaren in the Formula One title race, but rivals are closing in. Max Verstappen faces a tough home Grand Prix at Zandvoort with rain expected.

F1: McLaren racer Lando Norris (AP/PTI)

Lando Norris stated on Thursday that other teams were closing the gap with his McLaren outfit, anticipating numerous challenging battles as the Formula One season approaches its conclusion.

McLaren has dominated this season, leading by a significant 299 points over their nearest rivals, Ferrari. Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri are clear favourites for the individual title.

“Of course, we as a team (have) been strong this year. But I feel like other people have caught up a little bit the last couple of races," Norris told reporters.

“I don’t expect to win by 20 seconds or something," added the 25-year-old, quipping however that he would “love it if that were the case".

He mentioned that McLaren is aiming to secure the top two positions in every race, but they remain vigilant against complacency.

“I don’t think we expect any race to go easily now… I don’t think we ever get complacent and think it’s going to be an easy one," he emphasised.

He predicted a “long, tricky, challenging second half of the season" with 10 races remaining.

A crucial factor in this year’s Formula One run-in will be how McLaren manages their two drivers racing competitively for the title.

Norris said both drivers are still free to choose their own strategies and race fairly, referring to McLaren’s “papaya rules," named after the team’s colours.

Championship leader Piastri, the Australian, said he is preparing for an intense climax to the season.

“The intensity will kind of naturally increase as we get close to the end of the year and I’m ready for that," said the 24-year-old.

What About Max Verstappen?

Current world champion Max Verstappen enters his home Grand Prix in an unfamiliar position – not as the favourite.

While the orange-clad fans will be hoping Max can perform a miracle, his Red Bull is unlikely to match the pace of the McLarens.

However, the notoriously unpredictable weather at the Zandvoort circuit, located near the North Sea, is expected to play a role.

Rain is forecast for all three days of the weekend, and Verstappen is known for his wet-weather racing skills.

“There might be some weather coming in as well. So that always creates a bit of chaos, so we just need to see what happens," said Verstappen.

Verstappen currently sits third in the drivers’ championship, 97 points behind leader Piastri, but he insisted that the situation is not affecting him.

“It doesn’t make sense for me to be frustrated or be screaming about it, because it’s just a waste of energy," said Verstappen.

(With inputs from AFP)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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Zandvoort

First Published:

August 28, 2025, 22:00 IST

News sports F1 : Lando Norris Cautions McLaren As Rivals 'Have Caught Up A Little Bit'

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