Lando Norris proved ‘very weak’ McLaren characteristic could hurt F1 title chances at the Japanese Grand Prix

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Lando Norris sat behind Max Verstappen throughout much of the Japanese Grand Prix and failed to make an impression on the reigning champion.

It was a disappointing performance from McLaren who had the fastest car on the grid in Suzuka but failed to strategies a plan to beat Red Bull.

The team didn’t even bother facilitating a swap between Norris and Oscar Piastri to try and apply some pressure to Verstappen at the front.

Instead, they sat behind as the Dutchman moved to within just one point of the top of the drivers’ championship. It wasn’t the most exciting Japanese Grand Prix.

Jacques Villeneuve criticised McLaren at Suzuka and believed that the team should have left their driver out when the race leader pitted.

Whether or not they had enough pace to overcut is unknown, but Marc Priestley thinks McLaren need to avoid a disaster by having one of their drivers dominate. So far, they haven’t done so.

READ MORE: Lando Norris admits why there is ‘not an easy dynamic’ at McLaren amid Oscar Piastri F1 title fight

McLaren’s ‘very weak’ handling could hurt Lando Norris’ 2025 F1 title chances

The Japanese Grand Prix is a track which requires a driver to be supremely confident with his car. It’s fast and flowing.

It’s the sort of thing which may have been a problem for the current championship leader, two weeks on from comments about the handling of his car.

“Some of the characteristics I don’t like and don’t suit the way I want to drive, in an attacking way,” he told RaceFans.

“It doesn’t suit me in terms of me wanting to push the entries and push the braking. It’s very weak, I would say, from that point of view. Not what I like.”

Not being able to push his car on entry may be what slowed him down in Suzuka. He was already at a deficit to Verstappen before attacking the entry.

If the problem persists, then at other high-speed tracks McLaren may face a problem. It’s up to them to find a solution.

READ MORE: Zak Brown admits McLaren face a ‘big challenge’ that could cost Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri the F1 drivers’ title

Why Lando Norris should be confident over the upcoming F1 races

The next three Formula 1 races are to be held in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Miami – all tracks which McLaren have been strong at.

Norris claimed his maiden victory at the latter last year, and it was a kick-starter for a positive campaign with plenty of learning.

Just one point ahead of Verstappen now, the onus is on him to rebuild a lead at the top. He has the car and the team to do so.

Norris’ damaging traits with the 2025 McLaren may hurt him more than it does his teammate, but he’s been driving their cars for six years now. He has the experience to overcome most challenges.

Look out for the Brit to be resurgent over the coming events. He won’t want to let his rivals take any more victories while he knows he has the best car.