Norris is a topic of discussion between me and the editor-in-chief of GrandPrix247, Paul Velasco. While Paul has a high opinion of Lando and believes he is the only driver in Formula 1 capable of challenging Verstappen, I have always been skeptical of the McLaren driver. However, before everyone reacts strongly, let me explain my perspective.
There is no denying Norris’ speed and natural talent, as he is among the best in F1 currently. However, when considering the overall package, I have always felt that he falls short and is more prone to errors compared to Verstappen, for example. It may be unfair to compare Norris to Verstappen, but the latter sets the standard and is the driver Lando must compete with this season.
Let’s go back a little in time, when Norris made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2019. Zak Brown hailed him as the next F1 World Champion, and McLaren was going through difficulties at the time, which may have relieved some pressure for their rising star. Despite the team’s uncertain future, Norris repeatedly extended his contract with McLaren. While both parties claimed this was a sign of mutual faith, I saw it as Norris choosing to stay in his comfort zone.
It’s a simple equation: everyone praises Norris for his talent while simultaneously criticizing the McLaren car. Therefore, he cannot be blamed for poor results. Additionally, he faced strong competition from his teammate Carlos Sainz during their two years together at McLaren. Although he has outperformed Daniel Ricciardo, it would have been disastrous if he hadn’t. Now, with Oscar Piastri as his teammate, Norris faces even greater challenges, although the Australian has recently faced difficulties due to his lack of experience.
Considering how McLaren has changed its luck, I must admit that I “may” have been wrong about Norris’ faith in the team. However, I maintain that he could not have predicted their resurgence in the middle of the 2023 season and throughout 2024.
Returning to the present moment, Norris is displaying impressive speed and is the only driver who intensely challenges Verstappen, both during qualifying and in races, although Verstappen still maintains the advantage.
After the Austrian Grand Prix, my colleague Paul and I discussed the incident involving Verstappen and Norris, and we both agreed that the fault for the accident was with the Red Bull driver. He went too far. However, before the accident, it was a fierce battle between the two on the track.
Personally, I found it tiresome to constantly hear Lando complain whenever his “friend” aggressively defended. What did he expect? A friendly gesture? We are talking about Max Verstappen, a driver who demands toughness. So toughen up or get out of the way.
And then I realized, the reason why I have a problem with Norris is because I never believed that he takes Formula 1 seriously. He always seems to treat everything as a joke, not displaying the demeanor of a true F1 Champion who approaches races with the utmost seriousness.
Over the years, cruelty has been a common characteristic among all F1 Champions. Show me an example of a nice person who became an F1 Champion. You can’t, because the killer instinct necessary to win championships is essential, something that Verstappen possesses abundantly and Norris experienced firsthand last Sunday.
Norris’ body language and his words after the accident conveyed disappointment and disbelief. However, he must learn that there are no friends on the track, whether it’s with Verstappen or any other driver, not Lewis Hamilton, not Charles Leclerc… no one.
Therefore, now that Norris’ car is indisputably the fastest, it’s time for him to take things seriously. As the saying goes, “Nice guys always finish last.”
© 2024
A new soccer championship is about to begin and promises to bring a lot of excitement to sports fans. With high-level teams and talented players, the competition promises to be fierce and full of great plays.
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