Formula 1 championship leader Lando Norris says he is “nervous and excited” about the prospect of a season-long battle with Australian teammate Oscar Piastri.
McLaren, the 2024 constructors’ champion, has made the perfect start to the year with Norris and Piastri claiming the first two grands prix of 2025.
Following Piastri’s flawless performance in China to win the grand prix, a day after finishing second in the sprint race, the Australian showed he was a genuine contender for this year’s drivers’ championship.
Norris finished second in the drivers’ championship last season, making a late charge at Max Verstappen, and was considered a strong candidate to be crowned champion at the end of the season.
But with McLaren telling both drivers they are free to race each other and go for glory, Norris said he expected to be battling his partner throughout the year as they both chase a maiden world title.
“I’m sure we’re going to have some closer racing at some point. I think we’re both excited — probably nervous and excited at the same time — as I’m sure the team will be,” Norris said in the drivers’ press conference after finishing second in Sunday’s grand prix.
“But we’re ready. We know that as much as we work together and we have a good time and enjoy ourselves, we both know we want to try and beat each other and show who’s best. And that’s inevitable.
“So there’s no point trying to hide away from that fact or make something of it. We’re two competitors who both want to win.”
Piastri’s victory in Shanghai was the third grand prix victory of his career, following triumphs in Hungary and Azerbaijan last season.
The Chinese GP win adds to victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan last year. (AP)
But the Australian has described Sunday’s victory as “the most satisfying”, because there was not any fault during the entire weekend from the Melbourne-born racer.
“The two wins I had previously were very different, and I think this one’s been the most complete,” he said.
“I think we started with a car that was quick, but pretty tricky at times, and I think we did a good job of trying to tackle that.
“And to come away with this result is a perfect end to the weekend.”
The win has softened the heartache from round one in Australia when Piastri blew his chance at a podium, or even a race win, when he spun off track while running second.
The Australian was consistently quick that weekend as well, giving him belief more great results are on the horizon — starting with the Japanese Grand Prix in a fortnight.
“I think there’s still going to be bumps along the road and things we can try and work on, but ultimately I think we’re in a pretty happy place at the moment and, yeah, excited for the rest of the year,” he said.
Round three of the Formula 1 championship will be held in Suzuka at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday, April 6.
