McLaren will love the surprising Lando Norris change spotted after his Canadian Grand Prix crash

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The Canadian Grand Prix was a race to forget for Lando Norris in his quest to become world champion in 2025.

The Brit kicked off 2025 with a win from pole position at Melbourne, but he would not win again until Monaco. In that time, his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri claimed four victories as he looked to take the fight to Norris in the championship.

Pressure was mounting on the 25-year-old heading into the Canadian Grand Prix as George Russell took pole position. The McLarens were running off the podium in the closing stages when Norris attempted an overtake on Piastri for P4 down the main straight.

However, the Brit’s move was ill-timed as he went for a gap that was not there. Norris collided with Piastri as he tried to pass on the inside, slamming into the wall and out of the race while his teammate continued to finish fourth.

Norris defied Andrea Stella’s clear warning as he instructed his drivers to treat the race as a ‘damage limitation’ exercise. The incident only added to the pressure that Norris was facing as concerns began to mount about his championship aspirations.

Lando Norris appears a happier person in the F1 paddock after Canadian Grand Prix crash

Norris had multiple question marks hanging over him after Canada, as many wondered if he actually wanted to win the championship. But the McLaren driver has dispelled those doubts in impressive fashion.

The Brit went into the summer break with three wins in the last four races, narrowing down the gap to Piastri to nine points. His improvements have been brilliant, notably off the track with his demeanour.

Journalist Tom Clarkson has noticed that the 25-year-old is much happier in the paddock after his crash in Canada. That may be surprising, given that he was responsible for the accident that ruined his race, but it is a change that McLaren will love to see amid his title battle.

“I think there’s a lightness to Lando that hasn’t always been there,” said Clarkson via F1 Nation.

“I think the last five races, it’s like he’s somehow found a way of releasing the pressure and there’s a lightness to him. He seems to be enjoying it more.

“Maybe, I think, Canada was the catalyst for that. I don’t know, he seems a happier person around the paddock and maybe, it’s a little bit more intuitive behind the wheel as a result.”

READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from parents to celebration

Has Lando Norris swung the momentum back in his favour in the 2025 title fight?

Norris has enjoyed several psychologically important moments in 2025, notably his win in Austria, which marked the perfect way to bounce back from his crash in Canada. He has been heavily critical of himself this year, but his new approach is doing wonders.

Norris shares the same communication style as Ayrton Senna, according to James Hinchcliffe. The Brazilian was very emotional and open with the media, which helped him win three titles; Norris could follow in his footsteps.

With 10 races to go, Norris is set for an intense battle with Piastri for the championship. The Aussie will not want to relinquish his lead in the standings and give any opportunity for his teammate to catch him.

Piastri wants to keep McLaren ‘united’ and avoid any drama within the team as their drivers battle for the title. However, they know that only one can win the crown, and how they manage the situation will be crucial.