SAKHIR, Bahrain — At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Lando Norris had a difficult race, while his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri delivered a drive that showed championship potential.
Piastri`s outstanding race weekend – securing his fourth Formula 1 victory in 50 starts – sharply contrasted with Norris, who confessed to feeling `clueless` with his car after qualifying sixth. Following a somewhat untidy race to third place, Norris admitted he still hasn`t found the sweet spot with McLaren`s leading MCL39 car. This is a concerning statement from someone aiming for their first world title this season.
When asked about any positives from the race, Norris remarked, `That I finished, probably.`
The atmosphere at McLaren has completely shifted since the start of the year. Initially, Norris was seen as the preseason favorite, while Piastri, though highly talented, was considered the less consistent teammate needing to improve to contend for the title, especially in qualifying. However, the Australian driver has not only improved but exceeded expectations. His dominant drive in Bahrain showcased a driver ready to compete for the championship.
Based on the Bahrain race and the season so far, if predictions were to be made, it would be hard to bet against Piastri at this moment.
It`s still early to dismiss Norris, and it`s crucial not to overreact to a single poor weekend. Context matters: despite not feeling completely in sync with McLaren’s car this season, he still leads the championship, although by a narrow three points over his teammate, with 20 races remaining. There is ample time for Norris to get comfortable with the car.
However, there is also plenty of time for Piastri to continue improving.
The distinct difference between the two drivers throughout the weekend was significant. This follows race weekends in China, where Piastri outperformed Norris in the sprint and won the grand prix, and Japan, where McLaren denied Piastri`s request to pass Norris.
Piastri’s consistent progress is undeniable. The third-year driver has advanced faster than McLaren anticipated, and Norris seems to be struggling to cope with this challenge.
Norris`s Race Marred by Errors, Piastri Excels
Norris’s race began poorly. On the formation lap, he initially stopped short of his grid spot and then overcorrected, positioning himself too far forward. Max Verstappen, starting behind and to Norris’s left, noticed this and immediately informed his Red Bull team.
This significant error put Norris on the defensive. McLaren opted for an earlier pit stop to mitigate the five-second penalty resulting from his start-line mistake.
`Every time I did something right, I made two mistakes, in a way,` Norris summarized his performance. `I kept hindering my progress.`
Mistakes plagued Norris`s 2024 season, which saw him emerge as a championship contender after his breakthrough win at the Miami Grand Prix. These errors seem to have carried over into the current season. In contrast, Piastri has been remarkably consistent, with perhaps only one notable misstep in 2025.
His error in Australia, where he ran wide in worsening rain, led to a spin and a brief stint in the grass, turning a likely second-place finish into ninth. Norris made a similar mistake ahead while running first, but he managed to recover and win. The consequences were drastically different for the two McLaren drivers.
Since that incident, which is the only reason Piastri isn`t leading the championship now, he has been outstanding.
Bahrain marked his second victory of the season, while Norris`s earlier win remains his only one this year. Piastri`s Bahrain performance felt like a significant statement under the Sakhir lights.
`Perhaps not all results have been exactly as I wanted, but this weekend’s result is definitely what I aimed for,` Piastri said. `A weekend like this is a very meaningful achievement, beyond just the victory.`
The contrast between the two drivers extends beyond the track. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella openly discussed Piastri`s attributes, particularly after his pole position on Saturday.
`I`ve always noted Oscar’s mental clarity, which is a valuable asset in Formula 1,` Stella remarked.
Norris has been open about his own mental challenges. His candidness about mental health, especially during the pandemic, is commendable. However, his willingness to be open and self-critical has sometimes been used against him. Helmut Marko, a Red Bull advisor, faced criticism last year for suggesting Norris was `not mentally the strongest` after Norris spoke about feeling anxious before races.
This highlights another key difference between Norris and Piastri. Norris is known for giving lengthy, thoughtful, and sometimes self-deprecating answers, while Piastri is much more direct and concise. Sources at ESPN have mentioned that Piastri has consciously adopted a more understated communication style recently, perhaps aware of the contrast with his teammate. This difference in approach may become more noticeable as the season progresses.
Norris’s honesty has always been an appealing and genuine aspect of his personality. He remained open after the race, despite acknowledging the need to reassess his approach to jumpstart his championship campaign.
When asked if his self-criticism could lead to a negative spiral, Norris responded, `It would be harder for me to hide these feelings. When I do interviews, it`s often just a way to vent my frustration because I’m not achieving what I expect. Being hard on myself is a reflection of my disappointment, but I don`t think my public comments negatively impact me. I’ve been this way my entire career and have learned to separate external comments from my internal thoughts.`
`Maybe at times I lack self-belief, which I have in the past, but that`s part of who I am and how I work. It`s what has made me successful to this point and, perhaps at times, has limited me from becoming even better. But I am content. I know my capabilities and believe I`m capable of being among the best.`
It`s not all negative for Norris. Throughout tough periods last year, he consistently rebounded.
After months of criticism regarding his racecraft and wheel-to-wheel racing against Verstappen, Norris delivered a crucial performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing the constructors` championship for McLaren after Piastri`s early race incident. Norris also drove flawlessly in Singapore last year. These past performances must intensify his frustration with his current disconnect from the 2025 McLaren car.
Norris will undoubtedly work hard between the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Beyond his own performance, he must contend with Piastri’s elevated performance level. Piastri appears composed and formidable, putting Norris on the defensive as they head to Jeddah for the next race.
It`s too early to predict the season`s outcome, but Piastri currently seems unstoppable. For Norris to regain control, he needs to quickly rediscover his 2024 form before the season slips away.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood