Lando Norris has expressed confidence in himself and McLaren to defend the Driver and Teams’ Championships they secured last season, adding that he is aware of how his newfound status as reigning champion could affect his approach.
The Briton has fond memories of the opening event in Australia as Albert Park is where he began his 2025 title challenge, pipping Max Verstappen to Grand Prix victory and paving the way for a season-long battle.
McLaren were undoubtedly the team to beat as they sealed the teams’ title in Round 18, but Norris faced tough competition from both his Red Bull rival and own team mate Oscar Piastri, eventually winning by just two points over Verstappen.
Asked whether he has faith in himself and the Woking outfit to repeat the feat, Norris replied: “Certainly. I’ve got good confidence in myself which is a nice way to start the season, and confidence in the team.
“I think we probably don’t have the same level of confidence in our outright speed compared to what we had at the beginning of last year, but we’re confident in our ability over the course of a season to get back to where we want to be. It’s not like we’re coming here and we’re confident we’re going to win.
“We know in past years, especially two or three years ago, the amount we’ve been able to turn things around in a season where it’s all about development, bringing upgrades, learning more about the car, being efficient – that was one of our biggest strengths over the last few years.
“We’ll just take it easy no matter where we finish here or China, or in the first few races of the season. We’re confident that through the year, we’ll be able to get back to where we really want [to be], and that’s something we’ll look forward to.”
With the competitive order still somewhat of an unknown ahead of on-track action in Australia, McLaren may not be able to dominate the Standings as much as they did last season, when they outscored their closest rival Mercedes by 364 points.
Nevertheless, in relation to his own approach to the season opener, Norris admitted that he feels “the same” despite coming off the back of the high that was being crowned champion.
“I’m happy, I’m confident,” he said. “I come into this season understanding and knowing I’m in a different position because of last year. I feel better about things and more confident in myself, but other than that, really nothing changes.
“It doesn’t give me any other advantage really. The rest of it is still down to hard work, good teamwork, developing a good car, and me performing every weekend. That’s got nothing to do with me having the number 1 on my car or not. I’ve still got to go out there and give it my all every single session, every lap, so that’s what I’m working to do.”
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