Lando Norris ready to take on leadership role at McLaren

The Best of Others 2022 is entering a special new season in his career. Lando Norris, honorable 7th in the Drivers' championship just behind the drivers of the three leading teams (Red Bull-Ferrari-Mercedes), will be considered number 1 of McLaren after the departure of Daniel Ricciardo and especially the arrival of the rookie Oscar piastri.

A new stage in the Briton’s journey. “ I was patient, but I always wanted to be better off than I was » he admits in an interview with GQ looking back on his years of apprenticeship in the Woking stable (UK) alongside Carlos Sainz (2019-20), then Ricciardo (2021-22).

Anyone who refuses to use lack of experience as an excuse still admits that they make fewer and fewer mistakes. And, at the dawn of his 5th season within the Papaya team, the young Briton seems ready to take on the main role against the Australian phenomenon Piastri. “ This is a new situation », Summarizes Norris. No more, no less, and a situation which will in no way change his attitude according to him... apart from a team more demanding of his technical feedback.

The two occupants of the McLaren seats, who form the youngest pair on the field, could put on an electric show. “ I separate the two, temporizes the Briton by talking about the relationships he maintains with his teammates. I can be the competitor I need to be on the track, while having respect and good relationships with others. »

A victory for Lando in 2023?

After several outbursts in Formula 1 and a driving force well established in the landscape of the premier category, Norris still has his victory counter stuck at zero.

On the Sochi circuit (Russia), he was close, very close in 2021, but a downpour at the end of the race and too risky a strategy prevented him from finishing. What if next year was the good year? “ With everything I've learned, maybe I could win a Grand Prix, observes Lando.

But for a world title, we will have to wait until 2024 or 2025 according to him: “ I have little chance of winning a championship before then. I know I need to be at my best by then. » And if the driver has been in Formula 1 since 2019, McLaren boss Zak Brown places Norris’ name in the long run: “ I think he still has 10 to 15 years ahead of him. If we give him the right car, he will be world champion. »

For now, the Briton is approaching the season more calmly. The one who was one of the first to speak out about his mental health found the balance to put things into perspective: “ I could never please everyone. There are those who support you, and those who don't... But I know that I am doing my best. A few people told me I saved their lives [by talking about my struggles]. It's extremely touching. »

A representative of these subjects on the paddock, a boss for McLaren and a mentor for Piastri, Lando Norris will have to wear all his hats and his team, losing momentum last season (5th in the Manufacturers behind Alpine).

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