Norris reveals Piastri title fight nerves

Lando Norris has stated both himself and team-mate Oscar Piastri are feeling “nervous” for the upcoming F1 title fight.

The McLaren duo have one victory each in the opening two races of the campaign.

However, it is Norris who leads the drivers' championship after a spin in wet conditions at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix left Piastri down the finishing order.

Piastri and Norris finished first and second respectively at the Chinese Grand Prix and look to be the clear favourites in the title fight this year, with the duo separated by 10 points.

With no racing restrictions imposed on them by McLaren, Norris acknowledged there is a “nervous’ atmosphere within the team.

“We are [ready],” Norris told media including RacingNews365. “We were free to race [in China]. 

“I didn’t have the pace to get up to Oscar, and he drove very well. So he deserved it. Same last weekend. 

“There were those two laps that I know everyone loves to talk about where we just held position, but the rest of it, we were free to race. 

“So I'm sure we’re going to have some closer racing at some point. 

“I think we’re both excited - probably nervous and excited at the same time - as I’m sure the team will be. But we’re ready.”

Norris: Desire to beat each other 'inevitable'

McLaren's driver line-up is only one of two that went unchanged over the winter break.

It is also locked down for the years to come as both Norris and Piastri have signed long-term extensions.

Although they share a strong working relationship, Norris understands a time will come when their competitive desires overtake their friendship.

“We know that as much as we work together and we have a good time and enjoy ourselves, we both know we want to try and beat each other and show who’s best,” he said.

“And that’s inevitable. So there’s no point trying to hide away from that fact or make something of it. 

“We’re two competitors who both want to win. But we help each other out. I think we both achieved something better [in China] because of that fact. 

“We’ll continue to do that. So I’m sure at the minute it’s going to be like that, but at any point other teams can find something. 

“Other teams have talked about upgrades and stuff already and they can catch up quicker than you think, just like we did last year. 

“So as much as we’re doing that, we also have to think as a team and keep pushing the team forward from that side.”