Lando Norris has conceded that an on-track conflict with F1 title rival and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri is “inevitable”.
After 9 rounds in F1 2025, simply 10 factors separate the McLaren duo on the prime of the drivers’ championship.
Piastri has received 5 of the opening 9 races, which means the momentum is firmly on his aspect.
Nevertheless, Norris continues to be inside touching distance of his teammate regardless of a below-par begin to the 12 months.
Norris’ marketing campaign has been suffering from errors, significantly in qualifying.
Currently, Norris has turn out to be extra comfy with the MCL39, even when he was outpaced by Piastri in Barcelona final time.
The pair have but to go head-to-head on monitor, moreover a quick tussle at Imola, however Norris was on significantly higher tyres.
Talking forward of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, Norris admitted that an incident with Piastri will possible occur in some unspecified time in the future as they combat for the title.
“We’ve by no means stated we’re going to keep away from the whole lot,” Norris stated.
“I believe we’ve really been fairly open in saying in some unspecified time in the future one thing might be going to occur. We simply need to be prepared for that. Each Oscar and myself know we’re aggressive and wish to beat one another.
“The primary factor is that we keep sturdy collectively as a staff however the whole lot is within the open, the whole lot is apparent and identified between us. We each wish to win. We each wish to beat one another however on the finish of the day there can solely be one particular person whoever performs the most effective over the course of the 12 months.
“It’s not an if, it’s a when and we are going to see when that comes. After all, we are going to attempt to keep away from the whole lot as a lot as doable. It’s inevitable that it occurs in racing.”
Norris acknowledges Piastri enchancment
Piastri has made a exceptional enchancment over the winter break.
Norris received the qualifying head-to-head in opposition to Piastri 20-4.
After simply 9 races in 2025, Piastri has already out-qualified Norris 5 instances – greater than he did in the entire of final 12 months.
Norris is unsurprised to see Piastri take a step ahead.
“He’s going to have improved in most areas,” Norris added. “He’s in his third season of F1 and I keep in mind in my third season you simply come into the 12 months a little bit bit extra assured and with a bit extra information, and a extra full driver. That’s what he’s performed. He’s performing effectively.
“He’s driving extremely effectively at a really, very excessive degree. He deserves the whole lot he’s doing on the minute. It’s a very good, enjoyable rivalry between us.”
