Mclaren‘s Struggles Mark "Worst Friday" for Norris in Canada
Lando Norris lamented a frustrating day at the office for McLaren as he described it as the team’s "worst Friday" of the F1 2025 season during practice sessions at the Canadian Grand Prix. Both Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri struggled for pace, finishing seventh and 14th in the morning session, and sixth and second in the afternoon respectively, as strong performances from Mercedes, Red Bull, and Williams left them off the pace.
Norris Aims for Improvement After Tricky Day
Norris, facing his most challenging race weekend so far, remarked, "A little bit off the pace compared to some of the others." The young driver expressed his frustration at not being able to string together consistent laps, indicating that a single good effort was not enough. He acknowledged, "We have some work to do," highlighting the need for adjustments to make the car easier to drive.
McLaren Upgrades Under Scrutiny
Despite being one of the few teams to introduce upgrades in Montreal, McLaren’s performance left questions hanging. The team implemented revisions to its front wing design aimed at enhancing aerodynamic efficiency. However, Norris suggested that they might reconsider their new package based on the day’s performances. "It’s still something we’re going to discuss now," he stated, reflecting uncertainty about whether to continue with the updates.
The Challenge of the Circuit
The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve proved to be particularly demanding, characterised by significant bumps, curbs, and low grip conditions that challenged McLaren’s handling. This unique track layout requires a different approach, and Norris admitted, "It’s quite unique… probably one of the trickiest we’ve had this year."
Piastri’s Perspective: No Alarm Bells Yet
Oscar Piastri echoed his teammate’s sentiments, acknowledging a challenging day but remaining optimistic. "It definitely ended better than it started," he noted, hinting at incremental improvements from FP1 to FP2. Piastri also mentioned that the new parts achieved their intended effects but emphasised the need for further adjustments to refine the car’s performance.
Looking Ahead: Confidence in McLaren’s Potential
Despite their struggles on Friday, both drivers remain hopeful about reclaiming competitiveness. Norris acknowledged Mercedes’ resurgence, stating that they were "very quick, just as they were last year." He concluded with a hopeful note, saying, "It’s just trying to simplify things a little bit… at the minute, I wouldn’t say we’re quickest, but you never know."
As the team prepares for Saturday’s final practice and qualifying, McLaren’s ability to adapt and optimise their setup will be crucial if they hope to join the battle at the front of the grid in Canada.
