With only seven grands prix left in the 2025 Formula 1 season, every moment on the track is vital as McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri vie for the drivers’ championship. The intensity of this Oscar Piastri F1 rivalry has heightened as both drivers push to secure maximum points in the closing stages of the year.
Following the second practice session (FP2) ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix, Norris openly expressed frustration about his performance. Speaking with his race engineer Will Joseph, Norris admitted that the gap to Piastri was not due to the car’s pace but his own driving, stating,
“car’s not a half a second off; my driving is half a second off.”
Norris Reflects on Lost Edge Compared to His 2024 Singapore Win
Last year at the Singapore Grand Prix, Lando Norris earned one of his four victories, closing the distance on then-championship leader Max Verstappen. This breakthrough season significantly raised expectations for Norris.
However, in 2025, Norris finds himself trailing his teammate Oscar Piastri instead of Verstappen, marking a shift in the dynamic at McLaren. During practice in Singapore, Norris confessed to missing the driving confidence and rhythm that contributed to his previous success at Marina Bay.
He told Joseph again near FP2’s conclusion,
“my car’s not half a second off; my driving’s half a second off”
compared to Piastri’s pace, highlighting the self-acknowledged difficulties he faces in matching his teammate’s performance this season.
Implications for McLaren’s Championship Hopes and Norris’ Outlook
The candid admission from Norris emphasizes the psychological and technical challenges he confronts amid the growing pressure of this teammates’ duel. As McLaren’s title rivalry intensifies, Norris will need to find improvements in his driving to keep pace with Piastri and maintain championship contention.
With the season rapidly approaching its final stages, the battle between Norris and Piastri is expected to shape both drivers’ futures and McLaren’s overall chances. How Norris addresses these issues on track will be crucial for his hopes of reclaiming momentum in this fierce internal competition.
