Lando Norris described McLaren’s first day of running at the 2025 F1 Canadian GP as their “worst Friday of the year”, despite finishing second in Free Practice 2 (FP2). While the team introduced new upgrades to the MCL39, the Briton struggled to consistently extract performance amid a challenging track layout and low grip conditions.
Reflecting on the impact of the updated parts, Norris offered a measured evaluation:
“[They feel] pretty similar, honestly, but I think it’s more it’s hard to say just from one track. I think you have to go to many more, especially here it’s quite unique with the amount of bumps and kerbs and low grip that we have.”
“So a bit too early to tell, but all of the things are aiming to move the car in the right direction and give me more feeling, which is a good thing. But I would say a tricky day, probably one of the trickiest we’ve had this year.”
Challenging conditions complicate McLaren’s progress
Although Norris recorded the second-fastest time in FP2 at the 2025 F1 Canadian GP, he highlighted difficulties in achieving consistent performance across his laps. The unpredictable grip levels and bumpy surface proved difficult to manage, as he explained:
“A little bit off the pace comparing to some of the others, and maybe it didn’t look it at the end but [it was] just difficult to ever put a lap together and be consistent – I did one good lap the whole session. We have some work to do.”
When asked to elaborate on the source of McLaren’s challenges, Norris pointed to the car’s handling:
“I think we need to get the car in a better place. It’s been our most difficult and everyone’s in the same boat on the track.”
“The track’s difficult but it’s definitely been our worst Friday of the year, I would say so far – not worst in the pace, but most difficult to put together and most tricky. We’re not miles away, just need to make it a little bit easier to drive.”
Remaining competitive despite setbacks
Despite the frustrations, Norris remains optimistic about McLaren’s prospects for the remainder of the weekend. He acknowledged Mercedes’ strong form while maintaining confidence in his team’s ability to challenge:
“I think we’re still in a good position, it’s just that it’s close – there’s all the teams up there. 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, they proved that today.”
“But I’m complaining that I’m not first really! We’re still there or thereabouts, it’s just trying to simplify things a little bit, trying to make the car a bit easier to drive. We’ll be there or thereabouts, at the minute I wouldn’t say we’re the quickest but you never know.”
