Formula 1 driver Lando Norris is on the way to his first world title. But the Brit still has to fight for recognition.
Lando Norris must almost feel like a possible second-class world champion. Even after his flawless drive to a triumphant victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix, boos were heard – as they had been with the even more confident success of the 25-year-old Briton from McLaren in Mexico City. “There are always people who try to bring you down a little”said Norris: “That’s not the nicest thing.”
Norris wins, Verstappen receives praise
Norris’ biggest problem is Max Verstappen – not when it comes to the points in the Formula 1 World Championship standings three races before the end. It’s an emotional thing, Verstappen was crowned “World Champion of Hearts” in Brazil. Coming out of the pit lane in third place. “Incredible”he said himself.
“Verstappen drove like a god!”even the “Daily Mail” from Norris’ English homeland attested. “It was an extraordinary ride, even if Lando Norris had a perfect weekend with his win at Interlagos and staked his claim to the title”wrote the Guardian. The hymns of praise from Spain are no different. “Norris triumphs in Brazil and extends his lead, but Verstappen remains the king: Max delivers a brilliant performance from last place”said “Mundo Deportivo”.
But the king has to vacate his throne if another small Formula 1 miracle doesn’t happen. Verstappen, who is third overall, is 49 points behind and is traveling to Las Vegas in just under a week and a half. Oscar Piastri is currently second in the second McLaren.
Norris only wants to look at himself
Norris seems to have found his way. “Just ignore anyone who talks trash about you.”said the Englishman with a friendly smile on Sunday evening in Sao Paulo.
At the beginning of the year he probably thought too much about how people would perceive him and how he would be portrayed, he said after his seventh win of the season. “I’ve learned to deal with these things better”he emphasized. It’s about focusing on yourself, Norris said.
A lot of criticism of Norris
All of this says a lot about the inner life of the 25-year-old. Norris, long celebrated as an exceptional talent, has received a lot of criticism in recent months: he is too soft, too indecisive – unsuitable when the title is actually at stake.
But Norris has proven his critics wrong in recent weeks. From a significant deficit after the summer break, he made it 24 points ahead of Piastri and 49 points ahead of Red Bull driver Verstappen. Before the final three stops in Las Vegas (November 22nd), Qatar (November 30th) and Abu Dhabi (December 7th), everything speaks in favor of Norris: the strength of the McLaren, but above all the Englishman’s performance.
His victory in Brazil ahead of Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes was despite Verstappen’s great comeback “undoubtedly that of a future world champion” the English “Guardian” also wrote.
If the Red Bull works, then the Dutchman Verstappen reliably delivers top results – but Norris doesn’t seem to care anymore. “The way is not far now”said Norris in Sao Paulo. And how does he approach the final spurt now?: “Head down, focus on me. And ignore everyone.”