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Lando Norris struggles with straight-line speed at Sepang
Lando Norris expressed significant frustration following a difficult qualifying session for the Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit. Despite a strong individual effort, Norris qualified in sixth position, narrowly ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri.
Norris identified a persistent deficit in straight-line speed as the primary factor hindering the McLaren MCL40's performance. He noted that even with strong exits from corners, the car loses time during acceleration on long straights. This issue is attributed to the team's Mercedes power unit, which Norris indicated has not yet been fully optimized for the car's needs.
Team principal Andrea Stella acknowledged the straight-line speed deficiency, noting it can cost between one and two tenths of a second per lap. While the team is analyzing parameters to implement changes for upcoming races, the current technical limitations are expected to impact McLaren's race strategy in Malaysia. Additionally, the abrasive track surface at Sepang is expected to cause high tyre degradation, adding further complexity to the race weekend.
Entities
Companies House · Formula 1 · Lando Norris · Max Verstappen · McLaren · McLaren Racing · Mercedes · Oscar Piastri · Sepang International Circuit · Zak Brown
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The 2025 net loss was reported as £17.36 million GBP.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The team's cost of sales rose significantly to £534.3 million in 2025.
- [● 2 SOURCES] McLaren recorded a net loss in 2025 despite winning both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Lando Norris secured the Drivers' Championship for McLaren in 2025.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The team's turnover reached approximately £588.5 million in 2025.