Just recently, Formula 1 driver Lando Norris spoke about his interest in rallying and promptly received an invitation from WRC star Oliver Solberg to test a rally car himself. Apparently it wasn’t the first, as Norris has now revealed.
“There were a few people who offered me a few chances. I’ll probably have to ask Andreas if I can drive in rallies. Because I wasn’t allowed to do it last time!”, says the McLaren driver. “Maybe I just need a big open field and nothing around me to have a chance.”
So far he has not yet received the go-ahead from his team boss at McLaren, Andreas Seidl. “My opinion on this was no different than in the past ten years, when I was also responsible for projects and drivers,” says the German.
Team boss Seidl: You have to weigh up the risk
“It’s always a balance. Of course you want to make sure these guys, especially in the offseason, can have some fun and relax and unwind. But at the same time you have to manage the risks because a lot can go wrong.”
“And the two guys that we have in the team are very important for us if we want to go into a new season and be competitive. So they have to be in good shape. And that’s why things like that come up. We have a discussion and then make the decision,” explains Seidl.
In any case, the temptation for Norris is great, as he admits: “I saw the video that Oliver put out where he invites me to his ranch in Sweden. I think that would be something I would like to do. In this one Holidays give us a little more time to do something.”
“I usually always go to hot countries. Maybe I’ll do something different and go somewhere where it snows a bit, or I’ll do a bit of snow driving and rallying to have some variety. That’s good for a driver too .”
Norris soon back at the Race of Champions?
“Yes, I welcome any opportunities that come my way,” says Norris, “but it depends on whether or not he (Seidl) wants to disappoint me!” When asked if he could imagine taking part in the Race of Champions, which last took place in Lapland on ice and snow, Norris is open.
Although he does not have very good memories of his last participation: “I broke my thumb in an accident. And I don’t really want to be embarrassed by esports drivers if they hit me like they did with Seb.” Nevertheless, Norris can imagine participating.
“It was a cool event, especially with some of the previous riders like Coulthard and Seb and all these guys. It’s just a very relaxed event that’s fun. I think it’s Fredrik (Johnsson) who organizes it and us talk to each other from time to time. Maybe I’ll join in again soon.”