Will the 2025 McLaren be more dominant than the 2023 Red Bull? Russell says so, Norris jokes

Is George Russell trying to establish psychological warfare with McLaren and his two drivers? Since the start of the season, the Briton has continued to assert that the championship is already decided in favor of Lando Norris et Oscar piastri, given the lead of the English team against the rest of the field. In Australia, The Mercedes driver had said that McLaren could already look ahead to the 2026 campaign while winning both world titles in 2025, such is their significant lead over the others. In China, the King's Lynn native added another layer by proclaiming that McLaren should win every race of the season, ensuring that the Woking team had a greater advantage than "all that Red Bull never had », including in particular the 2023 season where Red Bull won 21 of the 22 Grands Prix.

Norris mocks Russell's comments

Although McLaren has already won the first two Grands Prix of the season with a certain ease against the competition, Lando Norris is surprised and amused by his compatriot's statements, which he considers a little excessive. “What? A bigger advantage than the 2023 [Red Bull] that won everything? Okay… I thought he [Russell] was a bit smarter than that, but he’s clearly not, retorted the championship leader who accuses George Russell of "playing psychological games", according to The Telegraph. I don't even need to say anything. I think it's obvious enough that that's not the case."

"George thinks he can play a lot of games, but... I don't fall for any of his games, added Lando Norris, considering George Russell's maneuver desperateThe car is clearly not [as strong as Red Bull in 2023]. It's very good, but the fact that he said 'the season is over' after a race is a bit weird. But he can do what he wants. I'm happy that he thinks things like that. (…) It seems like he's done with [the season]. I feel like I'm in his head, if he thinks they can't catch up."

Although he may have shown signs of psychological weakness in 2024, Lando Norris seems to have adopted a new mindset this season, as he now aims to win the world title in 2025. The Briton insists that the attempt to destabilize his compatriot does not concern him. "I find it amusing to see others play this kind of psychological warfare, he confided lightly in Shanghai. I like to read what is being said because it is amusing to see what people try to create out of nothing, especially when you know the truth. I have never understood much about these games of deception between pilots. It may be because I am very bad at them. But they do not affect me in the least. After two meetings, nine points separate Lando Norris, at the top of the championship, from George Russell, third behind Max Verstappen.

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