Norris Prepared for Title Fight Against Piastri, Sees Growth as a Driver
Lando Norris asserts that he is now a more complete driver, better equipped for his ongoing title battle against teammate Oscar Piastri in the current Formula 1 season. Following his first victory in F1 last year, Norris demonstrated considerable growth, particularly evident in his challenge to reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Reflecting on his development, Norris emphasized, "It’s just your preparedness for this moment, for this battle. I’ve learned a lot, just generally more experience." He acknowledged that his enhanced experience enables him to handle diverse racing scenarios and understand team dynamics more deeply.
Norris also highlighted the technical aspects of his improvement, noting, "You’re more prepared… but can you actually drive the car quicker? Can you save the tires better? Those are the hard things." He expressed confidence in his readiness to face greater challenges, stating, "I feel now more like the most complete driver I’ve ever been."
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown echoed Norris’ sentiments, affirming that the driver has not received adequate recognition for his progress, especially under high-pressure conditions. Brown remarked, "Lando’s in a great place,” referring to his recent performance from pole positions, including four victories in the last five races started from that position.
Brown challenged the narratives surrounding Norris, mentioning, “There was also a time Lando couldn’t win from pole… This narrative around Lando is not accurate today.” He contrasted this with statistics related to other top drivers, underscoring the evolving perspective on Norris’s capabilities.
As the season unfolds, both Norris and Brown’s comments reflect a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the driver, suggesting an exciting competition ahead in the fight for the title.