Norris breaks character: ‘We’re favourites, we are the team to beat’

After his commanding victory at the Australian Grand Prix to kick off the F1 season, Lando Norris has declared McLaren the title “favourites” and “the team to beat” in 2025.

For a driver who has long been the epitome of caution in F1, and one never to overhype his chances, Norris’ bold assessment is a seismic shift – a moment of uncharacteristic bravado sparked by a win that clearly underscored his and McLaren’s championship credentials.

In Melbourne, Norris converted pole position into the fifth race win of his career, fending off a late charge from reigning champion Max Verstappen.

McLaren’s dominance was evident from qualifying, where they locked out the front row, and it carried through a chaotic, wet-dry race at Albert Park.

Coming off a 2024 season that saw the Woking-based outfit claim their first constructors’ title since 1998, the team arrived in 2025 with momentum – and after a strong showing in pre-season testing, Norris still preached restraint.

That all changed at Albert Park, as victory unleashed a newfound confidence in the 25-year-old.

"We're the favourites, we are the team to beat," Norris said.

"I mean, to start the season off like this, to start it off with a win is good enough, but to do it in such a stressful race, one where it's so easy to make a mistake, so easy to ruin everything so quickly – it can all have gone wrong within a second, any second of the race."

“We know we have a lot of work to do on this year's car still. I think if you do relax in that position, you failed because in Formula 1 if you start thinking things are good and groovy that's when you start to get caught.

“We know we have a lot of work to do. I do think we're favourites because the team has done an amazing job. If we started off in Bahrain I don't think we would have won the race.”

The Power of Two

Norris didn’t attribute McLaren’s edge solely to the car. He pointed to the strength of the team’s driver pairing – himself and teammate Oscar Piastri – as a key differentiator.

“We have two drivers up there pushing each other – that helps,” he said.

In a subtle jab at rivals Red Bull and Mercedes, where Verstappen and Russell are paired with less experienced rookies, Norris elaborated.

“Do I think me and Oscar working together yesterday in terms of pushing one another allowed us to get one-and-a-half/one tenth more than the two drivers here because their team-mates aren’t as equipped and as experienced? Yes.

“Add that into the equation as well—don’t just say it’s the car.”

This synergy, Norris argued, amplifies McLaren’s advantage. Piastri, free to race Norris without team orders at this early stage, brings a competitive edge that sharpens both drivers.

“The team has done an amazing job,” Norris continued. “I thank them for everything they’re doing. We know we can make it a lot better still.”

It’s a nod to the collective effort – and a reminder that, even in triumph, he’s not ready to rest on his laurels.

McLaren’s Relentless Pursuit

McLaren CEO Zak Brown echoed Norris’ blend of confidence and vigilance.

“I hope 23 more races,” Brown told Sky Sports F1 when asked how long McLaren could maintain their edge.

“We definitely have a very quick race car, but, you know, we see how quickly things change in this sport.”

Brown credited the team’s success to relentless development and sharp execution, traits that flipped the script on Red Bull’s dominance last year.

“So we need to make sure we keep developing, but that’s what everyone back at McLaren has done an awesome job of doing in the last few years,” he added.

Brown praised the team’s decision-making in Melbourne’s tricky and chaotic conditions.

“The team had a plan. It was very tricky conditions, we communicated well. Communications with the drivers were great. We executed accordingly.”

For Norris, that execution turned potential chaos into a statement win – and a chance to redefine his narrative.
With 23 races still ahead, McLaren faces the daunting task of staying on top amid fierce competition.

Yet for now, Norris has every reason to feel confident – and for once, he is not afraid to show it.

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