Randorris acknowledges that McLaren needs to adapt to the 2025 car, but hopes that the planned updates for upcoming races will fit his driving style.
Oscar Piastri took the championship lead from Norris in a victory in Saudi Arabia, and Australia secured the third victory of their teammates’ season. Norris admits he has struggled to feel comfortable with McLaren this year despite winning the season opener in Melbourne, but he doesn’t necessarily think that the car is more suited to Piastry.
“I think there are certain things that don’t make me feel what I need to feel. Those things allow me to drive to the level I can drive – I get the pole position and drive at the highest level in a race,” Norris said. “We’re talking about little things. It’s not impossible to drive all of a sudden. That’s just what I’m complaining about when we’re talking about qualifying splits, and nothing more.
“It’s probably not something that can give you a yes or no answer. I think he can probably adapt naturally. I also think it’s the driver’s job to adapt to the car they’re given, but there’s a compromise and the team is there to get you to make the most of the car.
“But it is clear that there have been some changes, and it is clear whether he is suited to Oscar or if he is doing a suitable job to adapt.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella suggests future upgrades aim to make drivers’ cars more compliant, and Norris thinks it can advance his preferences.
“I think it certainly helps. I don’t know the exact timeline of things to be honest,” Norris said. “There is also a mix of things that are slowly implemented over time.
“But I don’t want to resort to it. Sometimes I’m working on it separately. I hope that’s a better fix than waiting for the other bits to come. But we’re working as a team and trying to understand these things.
“So, mixing things. I have to be a bit patient with some things – some are bigger than others – but it takes time. So I just bow my head and keep pushing myself.”
Norris is back at the scene of his first victory in Formula 1, which was secured in Miami a year ago, but he has downplayed the venue’s potential importance when it comes to confidence this weekend.
“No, but that’s a good memory, right? That’s something I dreamed of as a kid – win, stand on the top step – and I was able to do it here, that was a cool place to do it,” he said. “Looking back at the race, checking the flags, seeing the team’s celebrations, and so many things that always bring a smile to my face.