Apr.22 (GMM) They are yet to have a major on-track clash, but off the track, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri do not see eye-to-eye on one particular topic.
After crashing in qualifying and then finishing P4 in the Saudi Arabian GP, former championship leader Norris insisted that McLaren may no longer be the fastest car in Formula 1.
However, he says that’s no surprise to him.
“No, it’s not surprising,” Norris said.
“They (Red Bull) are just as fast as us in qualifying and in the race too,” said the Briton, whose teammate Piastri won at Jeddah and took over the points lead.
“Just because we are fast in practice, people are saying all kinds of nonsense,” Norris added. “Let them say what they want. We don’t believe that we have much of an advantage. I actually think Max (Verstappen) would have been the fastest in the race if he hadn’t had that penalty.
“People keep saying we are the best, we are the fastest, blah blah blah. But that is only because we show a bit more pace in practice – and then it’s over in qualifying. That’s our way of doing things. That’s how we believe we optimise things.
“If we didn’t do it that way, we’d be even further behind.”
Norris, therefore, left Jeddah not only vowing to work on minimising his own mistakes, but declaring that McLaren also has “work to do”.
“We suffer on a track like this,” he said. “We suffer with DRS compared to the other teams. We’re not fast enough on the straights.”
When asked about his teammate’s remarks, championship leader Piastri had a straightforward answer as to whether he agrees: “No,” the Australian smiled.
“I think our car is still quicker. Max was quicker than I expected for sure, and clearly we’ve got some work to do, but I think our car is still very good. I think we still have an advantage.
“I don’t think it’s as big on surfaces like this and layouts like this, but we still have a very strong car at the moment.”
However, McLaren CEO Zak Brown sides a little more with Norris’ perspective – including the concept that while Red Bull tend to use less engine power on Fridays, McLaren take a different approach.
“You never know who’s using which strategy in practice,” he told Sky Deutschland. “Our race pace is better than on a single lap. We’re strong on a single lap, too, but Max is strong, a great driver, and so are Mercedes and Ferrari.
“You can certainly assume that all four will win races this year,” Brown added.
So while Norris and Piastri disagree off-track, Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko thinks the real advantage for Verstappen’s team is that the orange-coloured duo are both in contention for the world championship.
“I doubt either of them will submit to any team orders,” he told ORF, “and it’s actually a great opportunity for us to have them fight each other.
“We prefer it if one wins alternately, then the other,” Marko smiled.
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, a fan favorite on the F1 calendar. The city comes alive for race week packed with energy, events, and unforgettable nightlife. This year, the action shifts to Memorial Day weekend (late May), part of F1’s new, eco-friendly schedule. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the atmosphere where motorsport meets Montreal magic. Book your spot now this one sells out fast!
SHOW PACKAGES