Lando Norris has described the responsibility of leading McLaren F1 on track as both “nerve-wracking” and “special.” As the team’s top driver, Norris acknowledges the weight of representing the factory, with the team working tirelessly to improve the car and provide him with the best machinery to compete.
Speaking on the BBC podcast F1: Back at Base, Norris highlighted the intense effort that goes into preparing the car before hitting the track. “It’s a massive team, a massive family,” he said. “Maximizing everyone’s potential and ensuring they work efficiently is crucial.” Over the past four years, McLaren has undergone many changes, with new faces joining and others leaving, but Norris believes the team’s evolution has been key to their progress.
In 2024, Norris emerged as one of Max Verstappen’s closest challengers, putting up a strong fight throughout the season. His on-track battles with Verstappen brought much-needed drama to what had been a dominant campaign by the Dutchman. Despite Verstappen securing his fourth title early, Norris finished second, motivated by the progress McLaren has made and his own growing confidence.
Norris explained that even small gains in performance are vital to his success. “The role I play is not just driving, but also motivating the team and keeping them excited,” he said. “Every week, we strive to find small improvements, whether it’s hundredths or tenths of a second. That incremental progress, combined with better feedback and pushing the team, can make a significant difference.”
Reflecting on McLaren’s remarkable performance in 2024, which saw the team secure the constructors’ title after a 26-year drought, Norris expressed pride in his own growth. “I’m proud of my performance under pressure, but I’ve also made mistakes and learned from them,” he shared. “Confidence was something I struggled with, but after this season, I feel ready to fight for a championship in 2025.”
With the new season just around the corner, Norris is determined to continue pushing himself and McLaren toward even greater success.