Lando Norris believes team success comes before individual glory as McLaren stands on the brink of clinching back-to-back constructors’ championships this weekend in Azerbaijan.
“The team is the priority. The team is number one, then the drivers are second. That’s how it works,” the 25-year-old told reporters after the Italian Grand Prix.
McLaren can seal the 2025 constructors’ title at the Baku City Circuit if they outscore Ferrari by just nine points. They’ll also need to ensure Mercedes and Red Bull don’t outscore them by 11 and 32 points respectively.
A win and a third-place finish would be enough to lock up the championship with seven races still remaining.
“Normally, when you see drivers who don’t have enough respect for the team and the opportunities the team gives, it doesn’t normally last long,” Norris warned. “You see that with plenty of other teams, whether it’s been Red Bull, Ferrari, or Mercedes.”
The British driver sits 31 points behind his teammate Oscar Piastri in the drivers’ standings, with Norris currently on 293 points.
McLaren’s team dynamics came under scrutiny at Monza when Norris was handed back second place after a slow pit stop allowed Piastri to jump ahead. The incident highlighted the team’s so-called “papaya rules” that govern racing between teammates.
Both drivers have dismissed concerns about these team orders.
“We want to try and be in this position for a longer period of time than what they have been at the top,” Norris explained, referring to their rival teams.
If successful this weekend, McLaren will secure consecutive constructors’ titles for the first time since 1990 and 1991. Last year’s championship ended a painful 26-year drought for the British team.
“It’s still early days – it’s only our second year of fighting for wins,” Norris added. “But like Oscar said, the team gives us these opportunities.”
“Without the team, then we’re just fighting for tenth, and none of us want that. So team and the morale, the spirit of the team, is a priority, and we’re below that.”
