McLaren driver Lando Norris has proven his strength and reinvigorated his skills, securing pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix with a margin of over half a second. This marks a strong comeback for Norris, who had previously suffered disappointment after retiring from the Canadian Grand Prix due to a crash into teammate Oscar Piastri.
Norris’s impressive performance showcased his ability to adapt and deliver under pressure, despite his earlier error in Montreal that dropped him behind Piastri in the championship standings. His team principal, Andrea Stella, acknowledged the impact of the crash on Norris’s confidence but praised the success of their latest car upgrades, which have improved the McLaren’s front suspension and aero.
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, meanwhile, was left frustrated with his seventh-place finish, citing his car as “completely undriveable” due to balance problems. This has sparked speculation about his future at Red Bull, with team principal Christian Horner downplaying rumors that Verstappen may be leaving the team.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has reasserted his interest in signing Verstappen, but it remains uncertain whether the Dutch driver will take the offer. With McLaren now firmly in front of their rivals, the pecking order is set to shift, and Norris’s title hopes look increasingly promising.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/jun/28/lando-norris-storms-to-pole-at-austrian-grand-prix-while-verstappen-slumps-to-seventh