Norris Describes Challenging Start at Canadian Grand Prix Amid Team Optimism

Lando Norris, the British driver for McLaren Racing, labeled his opening day at the Canadian Grand Prix as the "worst Friday of the year," reflecting on a challenging session at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, acknowledged the difficulties but insisted that there were "no alarm bells" as the team sought to improve its performance amid fierce competition.

The Canadian Grand Prix, a prestigious event in the Formula 1 calendar, commenced on June 16, 2025. Both McLaren drivers faced a tough day during the practice sessions. Norris finished seventh in Free Practice 1 (FP1) and improved to second in Free Practice 2 (FP2), while Piastri ended FP1 in 14th and climbed to sixth in FP2. Despite the upward trend, Norris expressed his frustration at the difficulties faced during the day. "It was a tricky day, probably one of the trickiest we’ve had this year," he stated. "A little bit off the pace compared to some of the others, just difficult to put a lap together and be consistent."

During the practice sessions, McLaren introduced upgrades to their MCL39 car, which Norris described as feeling "pretty similar" to their previous setup. He emphasized the importance of understanding the new parts over several races to gauge their effectiveness. Norris remarked, "I think you have to go to many more [tracks], especially here it’s quite unique with the amount of bumps and kerbs and low grip that we have."

Piastri, a rookie in the 2025 season, echoed Norris's sentiments, noting that while the day started poorly, it ended on a more positive note. "It definitely ended better than it started, but I think still some improvements to try and make," he said. Piastri highlighted the crucial need for the team to find the right window for car performance, indicating that tire choice remained a significant factor in their strategy.

The competitive landscape at the Canadian Grand Prix was underscored by the impressive results from other teams. George Russell from Mercedes topped the timesheets in FP2, showcasing the speed and reliability of his car. Norris acknowledged the challenge posed by Mercedes, stating, "Mercedes now seem very, very quick, just as they were last year here – they were quite easily the best last year. We expected them to be fast, and they proved that today."

As the team prepares for qualifying, the drivers remain hopeful about their prospects. Norris concluded, "We’re still in a good position; it’s just that it’s close – there’s all the teams up there. We’ll be there or thereabouts; at the minute, I wouldn’t say we’re the quickest, but you never know."

The performance on this opening day is critical for McLaren as they strive to build momentum in a highly competitive season. With the race set to take place on June 18, 2025, both drivers are optimistic that adjustments can be made to enhance their performance and secure vital championship points. The implications of their performance in Canada could significantly impact their standings in the constructors’ championship, making the upcoming sessions vital for the McLaren team.