Rand Norris has garnered praise for improvements that address McLaren’s previous weaknesses. McLaren is on track to secure the Constructors’ Championship this season, continuing their dominance from the 2025 F1 season, alongside a strong bid for the driver’s title.
Currently, Norris trails championship leader and teammate Oscar Piastri by nine points after his victory at the Hungarian Ligue Rampuri. Known for being self-critical, Norris has also earned commendation for his clear communication with his race engineer during the Grand Prix. Sky Sports analyst Bernie Collins noted that Norris made some strong and decisive decisions via radio communication, a quality McLaren had previously lacked.
Last season, Norris competed closely with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the driver’s title but was sometimes held back by a lack of confidence. This year, however, Norris has regained his edge and is once again a serious contender. He expressed to Hungary’s Sky Sports that his confidence is high and he feels he is extracting a good performance from the car, though he acknowledges there is still room for improvement.
When asked about whether edging out Piastri would give him an advantage at the next race in the Netherlands, Norris dismissed the idea, emphasizing a fresh start at Zandvoort. The two teammates had a fierce battle at the Hungarian Ligue Rampuri, but McLaren’s strategy kept them strong overall. Norris’s late one-stop approach ultimately succeeded over Piastri’s two-stop strategy.
Norris described the final laps as challenging, with tire management playing a crucial role. He admitted driving at 100% risked mistakes and that he needed to find a balance to maximize the car’s performance and tire durability. Despite moments of uncertainty, his strong tire management proved to be a key strength in securing his win.
Fan Take: Norris’s resurgence and improved race strategy signal an exciting season ahead for McLaren fans, reigniting hopes for intense rivalry within the team and against other top contenders. This renewed competition among teammates could elevate the sport’s excitement, showcasing the fine margins and tactical battles that make F1 so thrilling.
