The 25-year-old British McLaren driver emerged from a wild, wacky and thrilling season-opening race in Melbourne to lay down a title marker to his rivals.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished second and George Russell third for Mercedes, one place ahead of rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton starting eighth and ending only tenth following an underwhelming debut for Ferrari.
Prior to the race, Russell said McLaren's eye-catching speed will make them virtually unbeatable, and claimed the British team can already afford to turn their attention to next season.
“I know George made some comments,” said Norris. “But if that is their mentality, then wonderful, because that is not the mentality to have.
“We know we have a lot of work to do in this car and if you do relax, you have failed. In Formula One if you start to think every-thing is good and groovy that is when you get caught.
“But I do think we are the favourites. We are the team to beat. The car is flying and there will be tracks where we are even better.”
Norris’ title challenge unravelled last season through a series of mis-takes by driver and team. Verstappen, in his inferior Red Bull, clinched the championship with three rounds to spare - and then goaded Norris by claiming he would have won the title in his rival’s McLaren.
In 2024, Norris faced criticism for poor starts and his team’s strategy calls were also not good enough, but both he and his team were on point in tricky conditions at Albert Park. Despite Verstappen enjoying a better start than both McLarens ahead, Norris, as he had vowed to do, got his elbows out by aggressively jinking to his right to counter the Dutchma...
Red Bull's Max Verstappen finished second and George Russell third for Mercedes, one place ahead of rookie team-mate Kimi Antonelli, with Lewis Hamilton starting eighth and ending only tenth following an underwhelming debut for Ferrari.
Prior to the race, Russell said McLaren's eye-catching speed will make them virtually unbeatable, and claimed the British team can already afford to turn their attention to next season.
“I know George made some comments,” said Norris. “But if that is their mentality, then wonderful, because that is not the mentality to have.
“We know we have a lot of work to do in this car and if you do relax, you have failed. In Formula One if you start to think every-thing is good and groovy that is when you get caught.
“But I do think we are the favourites. We are the team to beat. The car is flying and there will be tracks where we are even better.”
Norris’ title challenge unravelled last season through a series of mis-takes by driver and team. Verstappen, in his inferior Red Bull, clinched the championship with three rounds to spare - and then goaded Norris by claiming he would have won the title in his rival’s McLaren.
In 2024, Norris faced criticism for poor starts and his team’s strategy calls were also not good enough, but both he and his team were on point in tricky conditions at Albert Park. Despite Verstappen enjoying a better start than both McLarens ahead, Norris, as he had vowed to do, got his elbows out by aggressively jinking to his right to counter the Dutchma...
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Birmingham Mail (Digital) - 1 Issue, March 17, 2025