Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris encountered a “scary” brake failure problem in the last few laps of the Chinese Grand Prix, revealing on the team radio that the pedal travel was a lot longer than normal. Norris managed to hold off George Russell from taking the second spot but was unable to build up a charge on his teammate and race winner Oscar Piastri due to the brakes fading on his MCL39 F1 car.Norris started third on the grid at the Shanghai International Circuit but managed to overtake Russell in the opening lap. Both McLaren drivers maintained their position for most of the race and crossed the finish line with a one-stop pit strategy.However, the closing stage of the race saw Norris in constant touch with the McLaren pit wall over the radio, providing updates on the brake situation. His team asked him to hold on and manage the race in the best way possible, as Russell closed in on Norris.
Race winner Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.
Race winner Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Australia at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit on March 16, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
The Mercedes driver was just under 1.5 seconds from Norris when they crossed the chequered flag, which highlighted the critical nature of the situation. Speaking in the post-race interview, Norris was asked how challenging it was to bring the car back home safely. He said:”It’s scary. It’s like my worst nightmare. When I have a nightmare, it’s when the brakes are failing and, I was losing 2, 3, 4 seconds the last couple of laps, so I was a bit scared, but we survived and then we made it to the end.”We would have loved to have given it a little try and put Oscar under a little bit of pressure, but, but not today.”So we’re satisfied, great result and, we’ll go again next time.”When asked about his pass on Russell at Turn 1 to secure second place, Norris said:”A few fun moments at the start. I was kind of hoping for exactly that. So turn one went to plan, but then George got me on the pit stops and, I was a little bit nervous. But, our pace was a lot better in the second stint.”Anticipating high tire wear due to graining, most teams were expected to pit twice. Pirelli even warned about the possibility of a third pitstop, as reported by Newsweek Sports, but McLaren managed to pull off a one-stop race. Norris said:”Tough race, just with the management and I don’t think many people expected a one-stop today, so it was good, and Oscar drove well, he was quick the whole race.”The 1-2 race finish for McLaren helps maintain its lead in the Constructors’ Championship with a tally of 78 points.
