Lando Norris fought a lot of adversity to reach the podium at the Bahrain Grand Prix, with a battling performance to third.
McLaren secured yet another double podium – their third in a row as they sit atop the constructors’ championship by a comfortable margin.
Norris had to work hard to get past Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, eventually getting around him with a bold move around the outside of turn four.
It was still only damage limitation though, with Piastri securing a dominant Bahrain Grand Prix victory under the lights.
McLaren will solve a Norris complaint which may make him faster ahead of the European leg of the season at the start of May.
Their previous alterations made their 2025 F1 car difficult to drive for Norris and has reversed some of their good work.
READ MORE: McLaren insiders have identified crucial Oscar Piastri change this year that will worry Lando Norris
Davide Valsecchi ‘loved’ Lando Norris’ attitude at the Bahrain Grand Prix
With 20 rounds of the Formula 1 season to go, there is plenty of time for Norris to get comfortable with the MCL39.
Until then, he’s going to have to make up for any deficit to his teammate with his driving on track. He demonstrated that he is willing to get his elbows out in Bahrain.
It was something which Davide Valsecchi loved and wants to see more of from the Brit in the future as he chases a maiden title.
“I loved the attitude that he had today. Seems that from a racing side, seems that he was struggling a bit with the setup and he was not very comfortable with the driving style.
“He was lack a bit of performance in comparison to his teammate and he was overdriving the car. He was clearly overdriving the car.”
READ MORE: Lando Norris told ‘extremely important’ feat he must realise to win F1 title after Oscar Piastri ‘dominated’ in Bahrain
Is Lando Norris still the favourite for the F1 title in 2025?
After Piastri’s latest victory, he has now won more than any other driver on the grid this year and looks more comfortable than his teammate.
Norris is ‘cracking under pressure’ and needs to find a quick response if he wants to avoid any criticism of his work mounting.
McLaren clearly have the best car and they need to make the most of it while they can. Upcoming races in Saudi Arabia and Miami are in warmer climates which should benefit their car.
Martin Brundle has noticed a Norris ‘problem’ and thinks the way he handles the media could hurt any potential title challenge.
However, points are earned on the track, not off it, so he should be safe if he can rediscover his best form soon.
