Lando Norris is starting to be placed under real pressure from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri for the first time during their time at the team.
The Aussie now leads the drivers’ championship after another faultless drive at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
It’s the first time this season that Norris has not led the way in the standings, and even Max Verstappen is just two points behind him in what appears to be a much slower car.
On current form, Piastri could continue to build a gap and make life very difficult for his Formula 1 rivals to catch him. Much like the current reigning champion did last year.
Norris lacked two things against Piastri in Saudi Arabia, getting stuck behind Lewis Hamilton despite having a much faster car.
Piastri made a Verstappen comment after the two nearly tangled at turn one on lap one. It was a warning that they got too close for comfort.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri ignored McLaren team orders to pull off ‘sensational’ Lewis Hamilton overtake at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Lando Norris admits ‘too much pressure’ in 2025 F1 title fight with Oscar Piastri
Martin Brundle ‘loved’ Norris in Saudi Arabia as he chased down Charles Leclerc late in the race. They were pushing to the absolute limit and wanted to beat each other.
It was the sort of stint which shows what the McLaren driver can do behind the wheel when he is operating at his best.
Speaking after the race, he shared his theory as to why he has started to make more frequent mistakes behind the wheel.
“It’s when I perform well, when I’m having fun, and I’m relaxed. I’m probably putting too much pressure on myself at the minute.
“Not because of any reason, and not the championship and all these things. Just because I put too much pressure on myself because I want to do well. I want to do so well, I want to be pole, I want to win, I want to be perfect.
“I think I need to accept a little bit more that I’m not going to be perfect. I’m making mistakes because I’m trying to be perfect, rather than the other way round.”
READ MORE: Helmut Marko explains why Lando Norris crash ‘irritated’ Red Bull in Saudi Arabia Grand Prix qualifying
Which McLaren driver has been faster during the 2025 F1 season?
Five races into the new season and it’s now possible to use head-to-head battles to compare how drivers have performed against their teammates so far.
Over one lap, where Norris has excelled in the past, he trails Piastri by 3-2 in regular qualifying sessions, and is 1-0 behind in the sprint format.
It’s a good representation of the gains his teammate has made over the winter, including his developed understanding of Pirelli tyres.
Norris ‘hadn’t expected’ Piastri’s pace and it may have caught him by surprise. He’s going to have to dig deep and find mid-season improvements.
Otherwise, his hopes of a maiden title will disappear quickly, despite having the fastest car on the grid yet again.
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