Lando Norris received confirmation that his 2025 Formula 1 title charge will be difficult after McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri romped to victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
It was a messy weekend for Norris, who first failed to impress in qualifying before making multiple mistakes in the race.
McLaren at least received confirmation that both of their drivers will be in contention for a maiden title this season.
On current form, Oscar Piastri looks to be the favourite for the drivers’ championship after taking his second victory of the season.
McLaren are solving a Norris complaint with an upgrade to address a lack of front-end grip in the middle of corners.
Norris may be worried by a Piastri change which could be a problem this year – he now appears to be his biggest threat.
READ MORE: Oscar Piastri sends five-word message to George Russell after beating Lando Norris at the Bahrain Grand Prix
Lando Norris may have been dealing with ‘mental distraction’ before Bahrain Grand Prix error
Jacques Villeneuve thinks Norris ‘cracked under pressure’ by going beyond his grid spot in Bahrain and receiving a penalty for a false start.
He had to wait five extra seconds at his first pit stop after overshooting his grid box on the formation lap – a mistake title rival Max Verstappen noticed straight away.
Gian Carlo Minardi thinks the Brit was dealing with distraction, which may have caused him to make the silly error.
“Unfortunately, it is a demonstration of let’s say, mental distraction and this says a lot,” he said. “Probably it is a nervousness due to the fact he had not done well in qualifying.
“That he feels the strength of his teammate. He has shown a few times in the past, he probably cannot have that final concentration to make him make that leap in quality.”
READ MORE: Martin Brundle pinpoints familiar Lando Norris ‘problem’ that could cost him the 2025 F1 championship
Robert Kubica doesn’t think Lando Norris has ‘enough’ to compete at the top of Formula 1
After a failed title challenge in 2024, another defeat in 2025 would leave people questioning Norris’ ability to lead a Formula 1 team.
The Brit was meant to be the next big thing and the man to finally bring success back to McLaren, but he finds himself in need of more pace.
Ex-Renault star Robert Kubica mentioned that speed alone wouldn’t be enough for Norris to compete against the very best.
“In my opinion, Norris is a very fast driver, but as I said before, speed at certain levels is not enough,” he said.
“Especially when you go against drivers against drivers of the calibre or Max, of Lewis, of Charles, of so many anyway who have [talent].”
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