With Formula 1 trucks, you have the “one tenth” you need as a driver.
Sometimes finding one tenth of them is how much risk you take.
The first qualifying session of the 2025 Formula 1 season was in the book, and when the dust settled it was in the front row of all Papaya. As a result, McLaren is a strong opening chapter for McLaren, aiming to defend the Constructors Championship, and a start where both McLaren drivers hoped to be running in the Driver Championship.
For Norris, he believes Paul's position has fallen into a desire to “take considerable risks.”
was asked in FIA Press Conference After qualifying for whether you expect a “stronger challenge” from Ferrari, Norris spoke at length about what you need to find the time you need as a driver.
“We definitely came to qualify in anticipation of a fight with Ferrari, but Max [Verstappen] Like he said, he was a bit surprised he was here,” Norris began. “I think I was expecting more from Ferrari.
“People judge immediately, but it's difficult to put together a rap,” Norris continued. “Looking at how close a tenth is, it makes three or four positions easier.”
Norris then expanded what he needed to deliver the laps he needed for qualifying when the field was very close.
“Especially on a truck like this, a tenth of it becomes easier on laps, with most drivers, and with most drivers. It's about commitment, pushing it a little more on the final lap, getting off the brakes and committing to the corner. [and] We're pushing forward with the restrictions on track,” Norris explained. “Most people have a tenth of them. There's two tenths of them to take these risks. I felt that there was still a considerable amount of risk on the final lap to get the pole.
“But I was hoping for Ferrari to be faster. I don't know if it was because they didn't put in a good lap or they didn't struggle with the car more. You have to ask them. Ferrari was as fast as us all over the weekend, so I was expecting Ferrari to be faster,” Norris concluded. “So they just didn't perform in qualifying for some reason.”
With both Norris and Piastri in the front row, I think of the “Papaya Rules,” which have been discussed since 2024. Last season, McLaren was trying to secure his first constructor title since 1998, as Norris was trying to chase after Barstappen in the driver's championship standings.
We asked about “protecting one outcome” from the gorgeous Luke Smith Athleticboth drivers talked about the “number one rule” heading into McLaren's season.
There's no harm.
“There was obviously a debate because we know we have more of this kind of thing during the season,” Norris began. “There are obviously rules that we cannot cross, both cars need to stay in the race at all times, but we are both competitors, and that's clear.
“We both want to fight for victory and victory. But there's a boundary around the car. There's a little more space here and there,” Norris added. “We're free to race, we're free to try and win races. But last year, we got the Constructors in the way we helped each other and kept things clean. There was order when we needed it. Much of that was later in the season when things were going on outside.
“Now, it's not there, so we're both excited. Of course we'll talk about the morning, but that's normal.”
Piastri shared the rating.
“We can race each other freely. We want to win just like Rand. He put that together well. I don't think the number one rule is touching on any team, not just McLaren,” explains Piastri. “We have to give each other space, if either of us has the opportunity to take advantage of the situation, we will.
“But in the end, we're racing for our team. That's important. We've said many times that the teamwork we showed last year helped us get the constructors, and it's important to be aware of that fact.
“The car has been strong for a while, but the team is also very strong. That's as good as I can put it.”
McLaren began their title defense in Melbourne on Sunday, where they are looking for a tenth of what they can find on the track.
