Missing the F1 title would be no failure, says Norris

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Formula One F1 - Austrian Grand Prix - Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria - June 29, 2025 McLarens Lando Norris celebrates on the podium after winning the Austrian Grand Prix REUTERS/Gintare Karpaviciute

LONDON - Lando Norris said he would not consider his 2025 season a failure if he fell short in his quest to win a maiden Formula One world title.

Norris cut the deficit to McLaren teammate and drivers championship leader Oscar Piastri to 15 points in winning last weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix and goes into his home British race at Silverstone saying he is a better driver than a year ago despite some error-strewn moments.

The 25-year-old started the season as championship favourite but has been eclipsed by his younger teammate, who has won five grands prix to Norris’s three.

It now looks increasingly like a two-horse race with Max Verstappen 46 points behind Norris.

Should he fail to win the drivers’ crown, Norris said on Wednesday: I’d have to say I didn’t succeed in what my goal was but I don’t think you can ever call it a failure because I don’t believe like I’ve failed anything.

I feel like maybe I just didn’t live up to what I believed I could have done or the level I should have done at certain times.

I think if things were much easier and you don’t achieve your goal maybe you can call it a failure but when it’s 24 races it’s such a long