An interesting year awaits McLaren in Formula 1 2025 as they dive head first into fresh waters.
Oscar Piastri's win at the Chinese Grand Prix opened up a scenario that many probably had not anticipated yet.
A title chase between two teammates. Norris says he and McLaren are "ready" to cope with the tension of an internal fight for the world championship.
The Australian made it two wins from two for McLaren with a dominant victory in Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix, leading Norris for the team's first one-two of the season.
Piastri's win moves him 10 points behind Norris in the championship following the Briton's impressive win in the season-opener in Melbourne last weekend. Piastri finished ninth.
Norris told the BBC: "We were free to race. We're both excited - probably nervous and excited at the same time - as I'm sure the team will be. But we're ready."
As has been seen in the past when teams have had two strong drivers in the same season, internal politics and team direction will determine who eventually comes on top if they cannot be naturally separated on the standings.
Norris emphasizes his and Piastri's determination to deal with the situation in a manner that is respectful both to each other and to McLaren's overall philosophy of letting the drivers race while putting the team's interests first.
"As much as we work together and we have a good time and enjoy ourselves, we both know we want to try and beat each other and show who's best. And that's inevitable. So there's no point trying to hide away from that fact or make something of it," he said.
"We're two competitors who both want to win. But we help each other out. I think we both achieved something better this weekend because of that fact. And we'll continue to do that.
The teams next head to Suzuka for the Japanese Grand Prix, 4-6 April.
Driver's Championships Rankings
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 44pts
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 36
3. George Russell (Mercedes) - 35
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 34
5. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 18
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 18
7. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 17
8. Alex Albon (Williams) - 12
9. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 8
10. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 6