Lando Norris is aiming to overcome his qualifying challenges in the 2025 Formula 1 season, as McLaren introduces a significant suspension upgrade at the Austrian Grand Prix. After struggling to match teammate Oscar Piastri’s pace in qualifying, Norris is leveraging the new front suspension setup to regain his edge on the grid.
Identifying the Root of Norris’ Qualifying Difficulties
Norris’ qualifying struggles have become evident this season, with Piastri securing higher starting positions in six of ten races. The British driver’s difficulties peaked at the Canadian GP where Norris started seventh, while Piastri qualified third. The core issue stems from poor feedback from the car’s front axle, which impedes Norris’ ability to anticipate the vehicle’s handling responses—an effect known as “cueing.”
Between the Saudi Arabian and Miami races, Norris dedicated time in McLaren’s simulator to analyze this problem in detail, helping the engineering team devise improvements to the front suspension geometry. These changes were trialed in Canada, producing encouraging results, even though Piastri experienced the challenge to a lesser degree. Norris then decided to equip the latest suspension update during the Austria race weekend to sharpen his qualifying form.
Technical Insights and Team Perspectives on the Suspension Enhancements
Neil Houldey, McLaren’s Technical Director, explained that the focus was on refining Norris’ connection with the car by improving tire feel at the limits. His remarks highlighted the team’s careful approach in implementing upgrades without compromising other areas of performance or revealing sensitive technical details.
Alongside the suspension upgrade, McLaren also introduced updated front suspension fairings in Austria to refine aerodynamic efficiency. Both Norris and Piastri are scheduled to run the latest version throughout upcoming events, marking a unified step forward for the team.
Norris’ Outlook and McLaren’s Commitment to Progress
While Norris acknowledges that his qualifying woes are not solely mechanical, he is hopeful that the suspension upgrade will help close the gap to Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship. For the 25-year-old driver, enhancing his overall feel and confidence in the car is critical to rediscovering his peak qualifying performance.
McLaren’s targeted technical advances and Norris’ determination underline the team’s dedication to returning him to the front of the grid. With the 2025 season intensifying, Austria represents a pivotal event where these developments may define Norris’ trajectory toward future success.
“The team’s cautiousness in disclosing technical specifics stems from a desire to safeguard their intellectual property and avoid potential trade-offs in other performance aspects of the car.” —Neil Houldey, McLaren Technical Director
“Improving his overall feel for the car, viewing it as a crucial step towards unlocking his full potential on the track.” —Lando Norris, F1 Driver