As Formula 1 descends on the Miami International Autodrome for the 2025 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris has pinpointed qualifying as a key area for improvement following a challenging start to the season. The British driver, currently trailing teammate Oscar Piastri by 10 points in the Drivers’ Championship, remains confident despite recent struggles in Q3 sessions.
Norris, who celebrated his maiden F1 victory at this circuit in 2024, acknowledged the need for a cleaner weekend to maintain McLaren’s competitive edge. “The past two rounds have been tough in qualifying,” Norris admitted during a press conference in Miami. “I’ve often led in Q1 and Q2, but Q3 hasn’t clicked. It’s a mix of driving adjustments and car setup, and I’m working hard to sort it out.”
The 25-year-old emphasized that his qualifying woes are not due to a lack of pace, pointing to strong performances earlier in sessions. McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella has also hinted at upcoming car upgrades to better suit Norris’s driving style, though the driver stressed the importance of personal improvement. “There are things from the car side that will help, but I’m also focusing on what I can do better,” Norris said.
Despite Piastri’s recent surge—three race wins and the championship lead—Norris dismissed concerns about losing momentum. “I’m not worried about Oscar,” he stated. “He’s doing a great job, but I know what I’m capable of. It’s about putting it all together this weekend.”
The Miami Grand Prix, a fan favorite for its vibrant atmosphere and challenging 5.412km circuit, presents a critical opportunity for Norris to close the gap. McLaren’s upgrades, combined with Norris’s determination, could see the team challenge frontrunners like Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who dominated much of the 2024 season but was outpaced by Norris here last year.
Norris also reflected on the broader competition, noting the tight field in 2025. “Everyone’s pushing to improve, and one small mistake can cost you. We feel confident, but we need to execute perfectly,” he said. With new parts in the pipeline and a focus on fine-tuning his approach, Norris is optimistic about a stronger showing in Miami.