Lando Norris described the qualifying session at the 2025 Azerbaijan GP in Baku as one of the most difficult and unpredictable of the season due to strong wind conditions. The McLaren driver told the media, including Sportskeeda, that multiple factors combined to make the session especially tricky for all competitors.
The qualifying was marked by an unprecedented six red flags, following crashes involving Alex Albon, Nico Hulkenberg, Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri. Intense gusts, light rain, cold tires, and a cooling track surface all contributed to the drivers struggling with grip and control while trying to set clean fast laps.
Norris pointed out Turn 4 as the most difficult corner on the circuit, where sudden tailwinds repeatedly caught many drivers off guard. He admitted that gauging wind direction was nearly impossible, and that some incidents arose from drivers braking too late and misjudging corner entries. He emphasized that having a stable and forgiving car is a major advantage on Baku’s street circuit under such erratic conditions.
When asked about how the wind factor influenced his qualifying effort, Norris said:
“Quite incredible. I wish everyone could understand how difficult it was with the wind because I mean I would say half the crashes you saw today were probably because of wind. Not all you know some of it are just breaking too late and then trying to to go for something that’s not there.” Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
“But turn 4 you know where I didn’t call it, a lot of people locked up. It’s like it feels like one of the worst corners I’ve ever driven in my life just because the tailwinds, I don’t know 50kph or something and it might be that the next lap’s 10 and you feel like ‘No, I can go a bit quicker’. You go quicker than in the next lap, and you’re in the wall. It’s very difficult. That’s why you want a car that’s just consistent and forgiving. Maybe it seems like we just struggled a little bit with this weekend all today.” Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
Lando Norris Sees Potential to Gain Positions Amid Midfield Chaos
Starting seventh on the grid at the Azerbaijan GP, Lando Norris remains optimistic about his chances to make significant progress during the race, given the chaotic nature typical of Baku’s midfield battles. While acknowledging that McLaren lacks the outright pace to match Max Verstappen’s dominance in qualifying, Norris highlighted the unpredictability of the circuit and the opportunities it provides for drivers within the pack.
Norris recalled that surprises often emerge in Azerbaijan, noting how last year, Charles Leclerc appeared significantly faster than Oscar Piastri, yet it was Piastri who ultimately claimed the race victory. Looking ahead, Norris admitted that while winning might be unlikely, achieving a podium finish is within reach if McLaren can exploit the race’s unfolding incidents and battles.
Addressing questions about how midfield competition might affect his race goals, Norris commented:
“Great for you guys. It would be a good watch. I think we just wanted the pace to beat Max, I think he’s just going to be fast, but it’s been quick all weekend. They could easily win in Monza, they could easily win again here today, so this weekend.” Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
“I’m not sure about the win, but we’re trying to get on the podium, there’s a good amount of cars ahead, probably a little bit out of the position, but the lap for Carlos was still pretty good. He’s up there It’s not an easy track to overtake on, like Charles was a lot quicker than Oscar last year. Yeah, Oscar still won, so it’s not an easy track to overtake. There are plenty of opportunities, so hopefully they can come our way.” Lando Norris, McLaren Driver
Championship Dynamics and McLaren’s Strategy in Baku
Currently, Lando Norris trails teammate Oscar Piastri by 31 points in the drivers’ championship standings, yet he was unable to take full advantage of Piastri’s earlier qualifying incident, securing only seventh place. This positioning puts Norris just two spots ahead of the championship leader, rather than within the top five as hoped.
Max Verstappen secured pole position, with Carlos Sainz and Liam Lawson completing the top three on the grid. This places significant pressure on McLaren’s drivers to climb through a challenging field. Despite this, McLaren is on track to secure the constructors’ championship in Azerbaijan if either Norris or Piastri finishes on the podium, as the team currently leads Ferrari by 330 points in the standings.
The outcome of the race could prove pivotal for both the drivers’ title fight and McLaren’s quest to maintain dominance in the team rankings, especially given the unpredictable circumstances presented by Baku’s street circuit.
