Photo: Race Pictures

Car or the drivers? Norris reveals what's key for McLaren's success

17:30, 02 Oct

Updated: 18:22, 02 Oct

byLuke-John Buckle

Lando Norris is adamant that he and Oscar Piastri were the best teammate pairing in Formula 1 until the Italian Grand Prix.

"[Until Monza], we've been the best performing duo as drivers."

- Lando Norris

McLaren can win their second consecutive title this weekend if they score just 13 points during the Singapore Grand Prix.

Norris joked in the press conference in Singapore that he and his teammate, Piastri, have been the key factors to McLaren's superb campaign in 2025.

He said when asked what has set McLaren apart: "The driver's! Car's mediocre! But, I mean, without making a joke of it, I think you got the two things. You obviously need the best car. I think we've had that for 95% of the races.

"I think there's been a few here and there. Like, even Monza is the most recent one where I don't think we were quick enough.

"Baku, I would say we probably should have been and were fast enough. We just didn't do a very good job. Monza, we weren't quick enough. So, you know, there's been a couple races where we've not had the dessert—like, the perfect weekends."

Photo: Race Pictures

Norris explained that it's easier for the McLaren duo to deliver as they spend a lot of time at the front.

He said: "As a constructor, I think that's the important thing. We've got two good drivers. And I think there are plenty of other teams with two great drivers, but I kind of hate saying it, but not ones who have delivered every weekend as often as what Oscar and myself have done.

"But it's also easier for us to deliver because we're ahead of the field a lot of the time. So in some ways, we have an easier job than some others. But as a constructor, you need two drivers who deliver every weekend, who finish most races.

"And that's what we've been able to do. Maybe not the last couple, but until that point, we've been the best performing duo as drivers. And we've clearly had the best car and been the best team."

Norris also dismissed a question about his feelings surrounding the championship battle. He added: "I mean, you ask me this question every time, and it's the same answer. Just play the clip from last time, I guess."

Max Verstappen's form has Riccardo Patrese worried for McLaren

Despite McLaren having the quickest car for much of the season, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has won the last two races.

The Dutchman is now 69 points behind championship leader Piastri. Riccardo Patrese feels team orders may need to be imposed at McLaren if Verstappen keeps up his form.

The former F1 driver who spoke via La Gazzetta dello Sport said: "If Max continues like this in the next two races, perhaps winning one, then McLaren will have to say, 'Now we need team orders."

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