P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris has revealed that McLaren’s 2025 F1 car is in the “same ballpark” as its title-winning predecessor, but with some minor rear-end instability to iron out.
Lando Norris is considered the favorite to win his first Formula 1 title after McLaren secured the Constructors’ title last season. Norris impressed during pre-season testing in Bahrain, leading the timesheets with a faster time than Mercedes’ George Russell. He mentioned that the new MCL39 car feels similar to its predecessor in terms of balance and handling, but he noticed some issues with the rear end of the car stepping out unexpectedly. Norris acknowledged that McLaren needs to focus on improving the rear of the car to enhance overall performance. Despite this, he believes McLaren can be competitive from the start of the season and aims to be consistently fighting for top positions. Overall, Norris is optimistic about McLaren’s prospects for the upcoming F1 campaign.
