After his close defeat to Max Verstappen in the latest Formula 1 Grand Prix, Lando Norris has stated his intention to push for more aggressive strategy decisions in upcoming races. Norris, who finished behind Verstappen despite a strong performance throughout the race, believes that taking calculated risks with race strategy could be the key to closing the gap to the reigning champion. Norris’ comments come after a weekend where McLaren showed significant improvements, but the Dutch driver’s precise and conservative strategy ultimately secured him the victory.
Norris, who has been one of the standout performers of the 2025 season, acknowledged that while McLaren’s pace was strong, they need to be more daring with their race plans. “We need to take more chances,” Norris said. “The way Max and Red Bull operate is often with a focus on minimal risk, but we can’t be afraid to push the boundaries if we want to beat them. At times, playing it safe simply isn’t enough.” Norris’ comments reflect a growing desire within McLaren to challenge the established order in Formula 1 and break away from traditional thinking on race tactics.
The 2025 season has seen McLaren make significant strides forward, with the team’s car becoming more competitive. However, despite the improvements, Verstappen and Red Bull continue to dominate the field, often outmaneuvering their rivals with flawless race strategies. Norris’ remarks indicate a shift in McLaren’s approach to racing, where the team is willing to take calculated risks in order to challenge the dominance of Red Bull. The British driver emphasized that finding the right balance between risk and reward is crucial in a sport as unpredictable as Formula 1.
One example of this strategy could be a more aggressive approach to pit stops and tire management. Norris has been known for his ability to make the most out of tire life, but he believes McLaren could take more risks by pushing longer stints or opting for undercuts and overcuts to surprise their competitors. “In the past, we’ve been conservative in terms of timing our pit stops, but in a race like this, you need to find ways to outsmart your competitors,” Norris explained. “Max is incredibly difficult to beat when it comes to consistency, but sometimes, it’s the unexpected moves that can win you the race.”
Looking ahead, Norris and McLaren will likely continue to refine their approach as they seek to challenge Verstappen and Red Bull’s stranglehold on the championship. The team’s push for bolder strategies could create exciting opportunities for Norris to capitalize on the unpredictability of Formula 1 races. While the task is undeniably tough, Norris’ confidence in the team’s ability to take on more risk could be the catalyst that finally allows McLaren to close the gap to Verstappen and make a push for the title.
