Norris Unlocks McLaren and Reclaims Championship Lead
Lando Norris shined in Mexico after an impeccable race weekend, securing victory and reclaiming the championship lead from Oscar Piastri. Piastri, facing grip issues on the challenging Mexican surface, couldn’t match his teammate’s pace. The win marked Norris’s first since Budapest earlier in the summer.
Struggles with the Car
Since the season’s start, Norris had grappled with McLaren’s demanding but promising car. Despite its evident potential, he found it difficult to extract consistent speed. The turning point came after a frustrating stint in Singapore, where he decided to have an open discussion with his engineers about the car’s handling and direction.
“It’s hard to know exactly, it’s just that I felt better in the car today. It all comes down to my feelings behind the wheel. Last year, I felt great and could perform better. This year, I’ve found it tough to adapt—the car is incredibly quick, but still tricky to drive.”
Communication as the Key to Progress
Norris emphasized that synergy between driver and machine defines success in Formula 1. Until recently—even as late as Singapore—he and the McLaren simply weren’t aligned. That changed after a long internal meeting where he voiced precise concerns about the car’s behavior.
“We had a meeting [after Singapore] that lasted an hour and a half, and I told them, ‘This is exactly the car I don’t want. That’s why we can’t win—if the car doesn’t give me what I need, we won’t win anymore.’”
By confronting the car’s weaknesses and adjusting its balance to his preferences, Norris finally found the confidence and rhythm that had been missing for much of the season.
Author’s Summary
Norris’s honesty with his team after persistent setup issues helped McLaren rechannel its potential, culminating in a decisive comeback victory and renewed championship momentum.