Will McLaren live up to 2025 F1 season favourites?

McLaren are expected by most in the paddock to set the pace this season, starting with this weekend's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. On current form and an analysis of Bahrain F1 Testing, it is probably the best chance for Norris to win an F1 world title if Piastri in the garage next door obliges.

Norris is eager to get the new season underway at a track that holds special significance for him, having made his F1 debut with McLaren in Melbourne back in 2019.

He said: “I’m excited to get the 2025 season started in Melbourne! It’s a special track for me as this was where I made my debut with McLaren back in 2019.

"This circuit has been good to us in the past, and hopefully, we’ve carried our momentum from 2024 into this year. We had a productive test, but we won’t know where we stand until Qualifying on Saturday."

With McLaren expected to be among the front-runners, Norris is anticipating a competitive campaign: “I think this should be a very exciting season with a lot of close racing.

"There’s going to be a lot of competition, which should hopefully make it exciting for the fans to watch. I’m ready to get the season started!" the Briton concluded.

Piastri, preparing for his second home Grand Prix as a McLaren driver, is relishing the prospect of racing in front of his local fans; he commented: “Walking down the Melbourne Walk and receiving so much positive energy is a moment that always gives me goosebumps.

"The support I receive back in Melbourne is phenomenal and it still feels surreal to have so many fans shouting my name. It means a great deal to me and so, a big thank you to everyone that will be cheering me on.”

Piastri, who secured his maiden F1 victory last season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, is confident the Australian Grand Prix will deliver a spectacle; he added: “I’m a little bit biased but the atmosphere at Albert Park is always off the charts and with it being the season opener, I'm sure it's going to be even bigger and better.

"It’s the first race I look for when the calendar comes out and the one that means the most. I’m a very proud Australian and I can’t wait to go racing in my home country and hometown in front of all the home fans," concluded Piastri.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella is preparing for what he believes will be a highly competitive season, with 24 races ahead; he commented: “This week we officially start the 2025 Formula 1 season as we head to Melbourne for race one of 24.

"Everyone at McLaren has worked hard over the winter to be ready for what seems like one of the most levelled and uncertain seasons in F1.”

Looking ahead to the challenges at Albert Park, Stella added: “The Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit should offer some good opportunities for good racing as we start this 75th season of Formula 1.

"I’d like to thank everyone at the McLaren F1 Team, our technical and commercial partners and our fans for their continued support as we head into another exciting season," the Italian concluded.

McLaren will begin their title defence when practice sessions get underway on Friday at Albert Park in Melbourne.