Norris feeling the strain? Title hangover raises questions

Lando Norris’s difficult start to his first title‑defence season has prompted fresh scrutiny, with F1 TV commentator Alex Jacques suggesting the McLaren driver may still be carrying the fatigue of an overloaded winter. The Briton has yet to stand on the podium, becoming the first reigning champion since 2009 to miss the top three in the opening three races. He sits only four points ahead of Oscar Piastri, despite the Australian missing the first two Grands Prix, while Norris skipped only Shanghai due to technical issues.

Jacques believes the champion accepted too many post‑title commitments, leaving him without a proper off‑season before January’s shakedowns. Norris admitted in Barcelona he would have preferred a longer winter break. Jacques also questioned his grasp of the new technical rules, noting moments where he appeared tired in the paddock. The unexpected pause created by cancellations in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia may now give him a chance to recover.