Lando Norris sacrifices are a warning shot to Oscar Piastri as McLaren scrap steps up

stormed to the top of the Drivers' Championship standings in Saudi Arabia after holding off the charging . , meanwhile, finished in fourth, rounding off another frustrating weekend for the British driver. Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, the narrative has shifted. Piastri now leads the World Championship by 10 points and is widely touted as the favourite to land the trophy this year after winning three of the last four races. The bookies certainly believe as much.

Norris, meanwhile, is one slip-up short of entering crisis mode. The 25-year-old's confidence is low, and he is facing mounting pressure, both from fans and the form of his two closest title rivals. However, the Brit's interviews after the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix should serve as a warning sign to his team-mate that he won't go down without a fight.

While other drivers expressed their glee about having a weekend to relax before round six of the season, Norris explained that he will be back at home, training and building his fitness as he looks to reignite the title fight. The Bristol-born driver will even miss out on a trip to Amsterdam for the Koningsdag festivities with his friends.

"No, sadly not," he told a Viaplay reporter when asked if he would be in attendance. "I wish because it was one of the best days of my life, and I won Miami! I mean, I know... I miss all my friends. I had a great week with Martin [Garrix] and the whole gang in Amsterdam last year, but I'm fighting for a championship, I can't afford to do these things.

"I've gotta go back home and train, you know? This race was tough. It was physically demanding. As much as I would like a little drink, I've not drunk all year, and I'm proud of that. And yeah, I'll just keep working hard, so no fun for me."

Norris' commitment echoes that of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who explained that he is 'cancelling plans' during the break before the Miami GP to work on his understanding of the SF-25. The legendary Brit is also being outperformed by his team-mate in 2025.

Despite widespread concern for Norris' confidence and form, the Brit has not lost his talent. His race pace in Jeddah was very strong, and after he beat Piastri 16-8 in the Grand Prix head-to-head last season, and dominated qualifying by a margin of 21-3, he has already proven his pedigree in the current McLaren landscape.

Piastri may well win his maiden F1 crown in 2025, but Norris won't go down without a fight.