Norris reflects on upturn in form ahead of Azerbaijan GP

Lando Norris says he is "doing some things better than last year" as he arrives in Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, but admits the street circuit is the one he has been "not looking forward to" amid McLaren's recent momentum.

The reigning world champion has won two of the last four Grands Prix, with a likely victory in Madrid taken away by an ill-timed Virtual Safety Car. Despite that, he remains 106 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli with nine rounds remaining, effectively ruling out a title defence.

Why it matters:

Norris's improved consistency and confidence are keeping McLaren in the fight at the front, even if the drivers' championship seems out of reach. Baku represents a key test of whether the team can maintain its form away from high-speed circuits.

The details:

• Norris believes his driving has evolved: "I certainly think I'm doing some things better than last year but it's not like I'm just doing a much better job than last season."
• He pointed to the second half of 2025 as equally strong, saying those performances weren't credited as much as they are now.
• "I feel more relaxed than this point last year. I trust more myself and my abilities. That certainly seems to help at times."
• McLaren's 2026 car has excelled on high-speed corners, but Baku's layout is almost entirely slow and medium speed.
• "Not one high speed corner on this track, not even a medium speed corner. I think it will be more of a challenge to Monaco spec, which is where we struggled a lot last time."
• Norris also acknowledged the team's recent pace, saying: "We've been able to see the last three races we've been probably the quickest car."

What's next:

Norris says the goal is still to win, but McLaren expects a tougher weekend in Baku than recent races. A strong result would extend his late-season resurgence; a stumble would remind the field that this car still has limits.