Pressure mounting on lando Norris as…. read more
After emerging as a serious contender against Max Verstappen in 2024, Lando Norris entered the 2025 Formula 1 season as a title favorite. Many expected the Briton to build on last year’s momentum, especially with McLaren providing a significantly improved car this season. However, the spotlight has shifted to his teammate Oscar Piastri, who has outshone Norris in the early stages of the season.
Piastri has claimed four wins from the first six races, while Norris has only managed to secure a single victory. Verstappen, meanwhile, has also recorded just one win, underscoring Piastri’s dominance. This turn of events has surprised many, given Norris was seen as McLaren’s leading driver just a year ago. Expectations were high that he would naturally assume the number one role within the team.
Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve weighed in on the situation, attributing Norris’s struggles not to Piastri’s rise, but to the Briton’s own mindset. According to Villeneuve, it’s not that Piastri has gotten into Norris’s head—it’s that Norris has allowed pressure and self-doubt to undermine his performance. Villeneuve noted that Norris has a reputation for being overly self-critical, which may be hampering his ability to perform under increased expectations.
“Oscar Piastri hasn’t played mind games or put pressure on Lando. Lando has put pressure on himself,” Villeneuve told Vision4Sport. He emphasized that the Australian has shown visible confidence since the first race, and that calm demeanor is translating into strong results on track. In contrast, Norris appears to be constantly playing catch-up, further eroding his confidence and rhythm.
Villeneuve also highlighted how the mental burden carried over from the off-season. In 2024, Norris had the freedom of being the underdog—unexpectedly challenging for wins without the weight of expectation. That dynamic has shifted this year. With McLaren stepping up its game and Norris being tipped as a championship frontrunner, the pressure has become immense. According to Villeneuve, Norris likely spent the winter viewing 2025 as the pivotal season of his career—a “now or never” opportunity to claim the title.
“Last year, he was the surprise. No pressure, just results. This year, everything was riding on it. He thought, ‘This is it, my big shot,’” Villeneuve added.
Despite these struggles, Norris has remained characteristically candid about his performance, often acknowledging his mistakes. While this transparency makes him appear vulnerable, it also reflects a strong self-awareness. He understands where he currently stands in relation to Piastri and is not in denial about the challenges he faces.
Though the season has started on a tough note, there is still ample time for Norris to recover and mount a strong comeback. If he can regain confidence and ease the pressure he puts on himself, there’s no reason he can’t challenge both Piastri and Verstappen as the 2025 ca
mpaign unfolds.
