Lando Norris lists the risks involved in hiring rookies, and is surprised at the speed of their promotion to Formula 1.
The starting grid will change greatly between this season and next. For 2025, many teams have chosen to trust rookies. Thus, three drivers who have not yet taken part in a full season will be fielded by one of the ten teams in the field.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli at Mercedes, and Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan, at Haas and Alpine respectively. Additionally, this season Liam Lawson and Franco Colapinto were fortunate to be promoted along the way to RB and Williams, in order to finish the season in those teams.
Asked about this, Lando Norris sees this panel of signatures as a potential risk. Without calling into question their talent, the lack of experience of these drivers worries the Briton.
Rookies, a risk for teams
“It’s always a risk, that’s for sure, believes the McLaren driver. I think what you see is some very talented drivers. I feel like I'm older when I say it. But Liam Lawson, like Oscar Piastri or Franco Colapinto did it, and I think you're going to see a lot of these drivers do a good job. Qualifying well and things like that. »
“But I think when you look at Formula 1, it’s not just about one weekend. Nor two weekends or three for that matter, he continues. That’s about 24 over an entire season. And it’s about developing the car over the seasons. Getting there and driving an F1 quickly is the easy part. Maintaining this level is something else. »
Arrivals too early?
Himself associated with a rookie at the dawn of the 2023 season, with Oscar Piastri, Norris believes that consistency could be lacking among the newcomers.
“Over twenty-four races, you must not crash your car every weekend, he warns. Don't make these stupid mistakes, help your team. Or even be a team leader. Not just looking at the current season, but looking ahead to the year after. Know when to make sacrifices for the following years. »
“There are a lot of things that make a rider a more well-rounded rider rather than someone who can just come in and perform on a weekend. I'm always impressed when I see how quickly a driver is given a chance these days.” concludes Lando Norris.
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