McLaren drivers eager to start the season in Melbourne
A few days before the first Grand Prix of the 2025 F1 season, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expressed their excitement about getting back behind the wheel of a McLaren that some view as a favorite in Australia.
We’re almost there! The first Grand Prix of the 2025 Formula 1 season takes place next weekend, and the excitement is already high among fans and drivers alike. This is particularly true for the two McLaren drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who have a special fondness for the track laid out in Melbourne’s Albert Park.
« I am excited to start the 2025 season in Melbourne! » begins the runner-up of the 2024 season. « It’s a special circuit because it’s here that I started my career with McLaren in 2019. The circuit has been kind to us in the past, so let’s hope the momentum from 2024 continues this year. » Last season, Norris indeed finished on the podium behind the two Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
We experienced productive winter testing, but we won’t know where we stand until Saturday’s qualifying. I think it will be an exciting season with close battles. There will be a lot of competition and I feel ready to start this new season,” concluded the Briton, whose ambition is to be in the title fight from the very first race.
For his part, Oscar Piastri intends to take advantage of the enthusiasm of his supporters to become the first Australian driver to step onto the podium at his national Grand Prix, having finished 4th in Melbourne in 2024.
Walking in Melbourne and receiving all this positive energy is something that always gives me goosebumps. The support I receive is phenomenal, it’s something unreal to have so many fans chanting your name.
Native of Melbourne, Piastri has already competed in two races at Albert Park, including the 2023 edition where he finished in 8th place. Behind the wheel of a car that can compete for the win, the former Alpine third driver knows that all of Australia expects a great result from him.
« I may be biased, but the atmosphere at Albert Park is always very special, and with the season opening, I’m sure it will be even bigger. It’s the race I look forward to the most and the one that means the most to me. I can’t wait to drive in my country, my city, and in front of my fans!
After the winter tests held at the end of February in Bahrain, the long runs satisfied the Woking team. With an MCL39 following in the footsteps of its predecessor, a world champion in 2024, Norris and Piastri have everything they need to have a great weekend in Australia.
