Lando Norris is searching for answers after a tough weekend at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite finishing on the podium in third and holding onto a slim three-point championship lead, the McLaren driver admitted he felt out of sync with his car, the MCL39. His teammate Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, dominated the race from pole to flag, increasing pressure within the team.
“Something’s Not Clicking,” Says Norris
Norris qualified sixth and ended the race frustrated with his own performance. He called his efforts “clueless” and said he didn’t understand how to drive the car at its best.
“I wish I knew the answer. I don’t have one—honestly, not even for myself,” said Norris after the race. “When things click, you feel it. Right now, I’m nowhere near my own capability, and that hurts.”
While Piastri appeared comfortable and quick in every stint, Norris said he felt disconnected from the car’s movements.
“Last year, I knew what the car would do in every corner. Now, I feel the exact opposite,” he added. “Even when I won in Australia, I didn’t feel confident. The car was amazing—that’s what saved me. But I haven’t been at ease at any point this season.”
Oscar Piastri Leads with Confidence
Oscar Piastri is making a strong case for himself in the 2025 season. In Bahrain, he led from start to finish, beating George Russell of Mercedes by 15 seconds. With two wins already, the young Australian looks settled in the McLaren, while Norris continues to battle discomfort and inconsistency.
Piastri’s calm driving and technical feedback are winning praise inside McLaren. Engineers say his ability to handle the car’s balance and setup has helped push the team forward.
This strong form leaves many wondering if Piastri could take the team lead if Norris’s struggles continue.
Russell Faces Car Troubles Late in the Race
George Russell, who finished second, shared that he dealt with serious issues during the final laps in Bahrain. The Mercedes driver lost data on his steering wheel and had to manage brake problems that put him at risk of retiring.
“It was extremely tough at the end,” Russell explained. “I lost all the data, and the brake pedal went into failure mode. I had to reset everything again and again. Sometimes the brakes worked, sometimes they didn’t.”
Despite the issues, Russell was relieved to finish strong.
“To be honest, I was pretty pleased when the chequered flag came out,” he said.
McLaren Sets the Pace in 2025
McLaren continues to look like the team to beat this season. With a fast and stable car, they’ve delivered strong results at multiple tracks. Piastri’s performances are giving McLaren valuable points, while Norris’s podium finishes are helping hold off Mercedes and Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
However, the difference between the two drivers’ comfort levels in the MCL39 is drawing attention. Analysts point to setup differences and driving style mismatches as possible reasons.
McLaren technical director James Key has noted that “some updates may have shifted the balance of the car,” making it easier for Piastri and harder for Norris.
What’s Next for Norris?
Norris still holds a narrow lead in the drivers’ standings, but the pressure is growing. With Piastri improving every race, Norris will need to adapt quickly to avoid losing ground.
He’s expected to work closely with McLaren engineers over the coming weeks to understand what’s going wrong. The next Grand Prix could prove critical in helping him rebuild confidence.
If Norris can’t find that “click” with the car soon, McLaren may see a shift in team dynamics, with Piastri emerging as the top contender for the 2025 title.
Lando Norris is a proven talent with wins and podiums under his belt. But right now, he’s facing a serious challenge—not from outside competitors, but from within his own team. With Oscar Piastri hitting top form and the McLaren car looking like a winner, Norris must find a way to unlock his full potential.