By finding himself involved in the fight for the world title for the first time in his career, Lando Norris believes that he has raised his level of driving in his duel with his friend Max Verstappen: to the finish!
At 24, the British driver is reaping the fruits of five full seasons in F1 and unwavering loyalty to his employer McLaren despite the ups and downs encountered.
With 52 points behind in the provisional standings but still six Grands Prix and three Sprints to contest this season, Norris could claim the world crown given the delicate period experienced in recent months by leader Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team.
A more complete driver
Of course, the Dutch champion could be satisfied with finishing second each time behind Norris, as was the case in Singapore, but this scenario seems unlikely. Whatever happens, the McLaren driver approaches this final straight with serenity.
“A lot of people might think my life has changed, but it hasn’t. Lando said. I always work weekends. Winning Grands Prix definitely helped me become a better driver, a more complete driver.”
“Due to my current position in the championship, I am experiencing and experiencing things that I have never experienced before, he adds. I’m probably working harder than I ever have before, on all areas, to try to improve and eliminate as many weaknesses as possible.”
Spirale positive
“It’s just about putting a little more pressure on yourself to make the right decisions at the right time, knowing that some decisions may have greater meaning, he observes. The gap is still big with Max, but I can beat him by continuing to win. We are in a positive spiral.”
“Of course he has much more experience, Norris remarks again. He spent more time in Formula 1. But it’s mostly a question of experiencing situations and dealing with situations that I had never experienced before. Max is not going to drive better because he has already won titles, but he knows how to handle this duel.”
“It is especially in certain situations, when we confront someone or have to make decisions, that experience can make the difference, he concludes. But I’m not a beginner anymore either and I feel the energy of being in a winning car surrounded by a team that wants to take the title in a race to the top. Come what may, for my part I will do my best.”
