McLaren's Zak Brown analyses Lando Norris' path to F1 greatness

Planet Sport writerStaff Writer11 July 2024
Lando Norris at the British Grand Prix

Lando Norris at the British Grand Prix

McLaren CEO Zak Brown has highlighted how Lando Norris stands out from F1 rivals Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton with subtle yet significant differences.

Throughout the Formula 1 season, Norris has openly acknowledged the narrow margin separating him from the top tier of F1 excellence.

This sentiment was vividly illustrated during the Austrian Grand Prix sprint race, where Norris executed a daring pass on Verstappen at Turn 3, only to falter moments later, allowing the Red Bull ace to swiftly reclaim his lead at Turn 4, ultimately securing victory.

The following weekend at Silverstone's British Grand Prix, Norris faced another pivotal challenge: strategic decision-making amidst unpredictable weather conditions.

Opting for soft tires instead of mediums during a critical phase of the race proved costly, as it left him vulnerable to Verstappen's relentless pursuit, culminating in a third-place finish. With a different tyre choice, Norris might well have contended for victory against Hamilton.

Reflecting on Norris' current standing in the competitive landscape, Zak Brown emphasized the learning curve the young driver continues to navigate.

Speaking to media outlets, Brown articulated, "To clinch the Formula 1 world championship, every driver must operate at peak performance consistently. Lando is absorbing invaluable lessons with each race. His victory in one Grand Prix underscores his potential."

Brown also drew comparisons to F1 legends like Verstappen, Hamilton, and Schumacher, highlighting their wealth of experience and championship triumphs. "Lando possesses the capability to vie for the world championship at this stage of his career," Brown affirmed.

"Yet, there's always room for improvement. Just as Max has evolved as a driver over the years, Lando is poised to refine his skills further."

Looking ahead, the Formula 1 calendar has now turned its attention to the Hungarian Grand Prix, slated for the weekend of July 19-21. The event, marking the 13th race of the season, promises another spectacle of speed and strategy across 70 laps at the renowned Hungaroring in Budapest. 

As Norris and his peers prepare to tackle the challenges ahead, the stage is set for yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of Formula 1 excellence.

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