McLaren head into the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka with renewed optimism after a challenging start to the season, believing both Lando Norris's drivers' title defence and the constructors' championship remain achievable. The team have acknowledged they are behind Mercedes and Ferrari, with aerodynamic issues and power management struggles hampering performance.
In China, both McLarens failed to start due to separate electrical problems with their battery units, while Oscar Piastri has yet to complete a race lap this season after a spin in Melbourne. Despite these setbacks, Norris expressed confidence: 'I believe we can get close but I also know how good Mercedes are. By no means do I think it’s going to be an easy one, but I believe we’re heading on the right track.'
With the next race not until Miami in early May, McLaren plan to introduce upgrades. Norris noted: 'We’re just a bit on the back foot but we’re figuring out the perfect path to go down. Every day we’re making progress.' In Friday practice, Piastri outpaced both Mercedes drivers in the second session, offering a glimmer of hope.
Suzuka's demanding layout tests energy recovery under new regulations, which could play into McLaren's hands if Ferrari continue to struggle with power deployment. However, Mercedes remain the benchmark after George Russell and Kimi Antonelli topped first practice. The race will also gauge driver satisfaction with rule changes that have produced exciting racing but may neuter classic circuits.
