McLaren to Address Lando Norris's One-Lap Confidence Ahead of New F1 Era

Lando Norris, currently leading the drivers' championship, is focused on improving his one-lap qualifying confidence as Formula 1 heads towards a new era in 2026. Despite a strong run of form over the last five Grands Prix, Norris admitted that subtle mistakes often crept into his qualifying laps earlier in the season, giving an advantage to teammate Oscar Piastri.

Why it matters:

Norris's ability to consistently deliver 'unbeatable' qualifying laps is crucial for McLaren's championship aspirations, especially as the sport transitions to new regulations in 2026. Eliminating these minor errors could be the difference between pole positions and starting further down the grid, directly impacting race outcomes and championship contention. His self-reflection highlights a commitment to personal growth and maximizing car performance.

The Details:

• Qualifying Laps: Norris rarely feels he completes an 'unbeatable' lap this season, a feeling he experienced more often in 2024 when challenging for the title.
• 2024 Performance: He recalls many laps last year where he was 'pretty confident that no one could beat that lap.'
• Current Season: Apart from Monaco, where he felt he delivered one of his best laps, Norris rarely has the same feeling of absolute confidence in his qualifying performance this year.
• Team Collaboration: McLaren and Norris are actively working to 'tackle those things' he struggled with at the start of the year, aiming to implement improvements into next year's car.
• Teammate Comparison: While acknowledging his own areas for improvement, Norris also praised Oscar Piastri's growth. Piastri, in his third F1 season, has shown significant improvement since joining the team in 2023, sitting just one point behind Norris in the championship.

What's next:

McLaren's proactive approach to addressing Norris's one-lap confidence issues suggests a concerted effort to optimize their driver's performance and car setup for the upcoming seasons. This internal focus on marginal gains will be vital as teams prepare for the significant regulatory overhaul in 2026. Resolving these subtle qualifying inconsistencies could unlock even greater potential for Norris and McLaren, positioning them strongly for future title challenges.