Norris and McLaren Optimize Performance Amid Qualifying Challenges
AT THE RED BULL RING—Lando Norris continues to confront challenges in extracting maximum performance from the 2025 McLaren MCL39, particularly during qualifying sessions. Norris has struggled with a notable lack of front-end feedback, a technical issue he refers to as "cueing." This has hindered his ability to navigate corners at the limit, noticeably affecting his qualifying performances compared to teammate Oscar Piastri.
Norris’s difficulties have come to light as he contrasts his experience with Piastri’s, who has secured four pole positions to Norris’s two. Piastri acknowledged similar challenges but has managed to adapt effectively, relaying concerns about the car’s unpredictability after the Miami GP.
Technical Director Neil Houldey highlighted that the team has made "small kinematic adjustments" to enhance front-end feel for Norris. "It’s just about for him to be able to feel the tyres on the limit a bit better," Houldey stated. Despite the updates, the team has taken a cautious approach, ensuring enhancements do not compromise overall car performance.
During a testing phase between the Saudi Arabian and Miami races, Norris utilized the team’s simulator to better understand the handling issues. Subsequent evaluations led to the introduction of revised front suspension geometry, successfully trialed in the Canadian GP.
The developments continue this weekend, with McLaren bringing additional aerodynamic elements and revised suspension fairings to Austria. Both drivers will leverage the latest specifications in the upcoming qualifying sessions.
Head-to-Head Qualifying Statistics
As the mid-season point approaches, qualifying results showcase an 8-4 advantage for Piastri over Norris when excluding sprint events. Norris’s missteps, such as an incident involving Piastri in Canada, have further widened the gap between the two.
Norris remains optimistic, citing the upcoming tracks as opportunities for improvement. "The suspension is more about giving myself a better feeling," he remarked ahead of practice sessions, indicating a proactive mindset as he aims to bridge the 22-point gap to his teammate.
McLaren’s careful strategy will be pivotal as they strive to enhance Norris’s driving comfort without sacrificing the performance of their championship-contending car. As qualifying approaches, all eyes will be on Norris to determine if the adaptations will yield the expected benefits.
