'I'm ready' - Defiant Norris reveals McLaren 'momentum' hope

Lando Norris is "ready" to start his title challenge in this weekend's season-opening Australian Grand Prix. 

Last season's vice-champion enters the 2025 F1 campaign as the bookies favourite for the drivers' title, even more so after impressing during pre-season testing in Bahrain. 

On the second day of testing, Norris delivered a stunning race simulation, leaving the paddock pointing at McLaren as the team to beat at Albert Park. 

The Australian GP is a special event for the British driver, who made his debut in the 2019 edition of the grand prix. 

He finished on the podium in Melbourne last season and is eager to see if the Woking-based team can continue from where it finished off in 2024. 

"I’m excited to get the 2025 season started in Melbourne!" said Norris. "It’s a special track for me as this was where I made my debut with McLaren back in 2019. 

"This circuit has been good to us in the past, and hopefully, we’ve carried our momentum from 2024 into this year. We had a productive test, but we won’t know where we stand until Qualifying on Saturday.

"I think this should be a very exciting season with a lot of close racing. There’s going to be a lot of competition, which should hopefully make it exciting for the fans to watch. I’m ready to get the season started!"

Piastri home race 'goosebumps'

On the other side of the McLaren garage, Oscar Piastri is preparing for his third home race of his F1 career. 

Beginning the season with a home race is incredibly special for Piastri, who has a point to prove after disappointing in the closing stages of last year's championship. 

Unsurprisingly, Piastri receives huge support in Melbourne, with him rating the crowd as the best of the year.    

"Walking down the Melbourne Walk and receiving so much positive energy is a moment that always gives me goosebumps," said Piastri. 

"The support I receive back in Melbourne is phenomenal and it still feels surreal to have so many fans shouting my name. It means a great deal to me and so, a big thank you to everyone that will be cheering me on.

"I’m a little bit biased but the atmosphere at Albert Park is always off the charts and with it being the season opener, I'm sure it's going to be even bigger and better. 

"It’s the first race I look for when the calendar comes out and the one that means the most."