McLaren’s Lando Norris Faces Qualifying Challenges Amid Technical Adjustments
In the early stages of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Lando Norris’ performance in qualifying has been hampered by difficulties with the McLaren MCL39, particularly regarding front axle feedback. This issue has significantly affected his qualifying results as he competes against teammate Oscar Piastri, who has secured four pole positions compared to Norris’ two.
Norris has described the car’s "numb" front axle feedback, complicating his ability to find the limit in corners—a challenge termed "cueing." Piastri acknowledged similar concerns but has managed to maintain a more consistent performance level. "I found it hard to replicate my best qualifying lap," Piastri relayed after the Miami race, where he recorded a strong qualifying session.
To address these challenges, Norris utilized the team’s simulator extensively between races in Saudi Arabia and Miami, aiming to uncover the reasons behind the car’s handling shortcomings. McLaren’s technical team, led by Neil Houldey, has begun implementing gradual adjustments, including a revised front suspension geometry trialed by Norris during the recent Canadian Grand Prix.
"We’ve made some small kinematic adjustments that we know will help," Houldey stated. "We weren’t expecting a significant performance boost but were confident that the changes would improve his feel for the car." The updates reportedly align with both aerodynamic benefits and mechanical enhancements, with more developments set for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Norris, acknowledging the psychological and performance impacts of his struggles, noted, "The mistakes I’ve been making compared to Piastri are significant and could be title-deciding." Following a challenging qualifying session in Montreal, where he qualified seventh due to overdriving, Norris expressed optimism about the upcoming track layout in Austria, which may better suit the adjustments made to the car.
As McLaren continues refining its design, both drivers are expected to utilize the latest suspension specifications this weekend, increasing the team’s competitive potential. Norris remains determined to close the 22-point gap to Piastri, underscoring the importance of these technical modifications and his evolving relationship with the MCL39.
