Lando Norris issues McLaren rally call over F1 title defence

Lando Norris has suggested McLaren is not in a position to compete for an F1 title with its current car following the end of pre-season testing.

However, with such a steep development potential involved in F1 this year, Norris has backed the Woking-based squad to make the necessary improvements.

Norris enters the year seeking to defend his drivers' championship following his narrow victory over Max Verstappen in 2025.

McLaren enjoyed a positive pre-season test, but has not caught the eye in the same way as its direct F1 rivals.

When asked if he feels a responsibility to defend his title this year, Norris told media including RacingNews365: "Honestly, I don't think there's a responsibility... I mean, there's a responsibility always in life.

"But I'll do my best to defend it and continue it. But it's a new season with loads of new challenges. So it's not as simple as just continuing from last year and saying it's the same thing again.

"At the minute we have to, from what we see, improve the car quite a bit if we want to compete a bit more, to be confident for the first race."

However, the Briton has a newfound confidence in his step as he is buoyed by the championship success he achieved following a tense campaign.

"I feel confident. I feel better than I've ever done," he said.

"Certainly, after last year and winning the championship last year, that's given me the confidence.

"So it's reassuring to know that I've done it once and therefore I believe I can do it again. So that's a good thing.

"But it's a long season, and I'll make sure I do my part. And together as a team, we'll make sure we give ourselves the best opportunity to do it again."}