Lando Norris Faces Mounting Criticism Amid Qualifying Struggles
Lando Norris’s recent qualifying performances have drawn sharp criticism, notably from former Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. Villeneuve suggested that Norris is succumbing to pressure, especially when compared to his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri. This scrutiny intensified after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where Norris qualified fourth, trailing Piastri, who secured pole position. Norris acknowledged his shortcomings, stating, “I wasn’t fast enough,” and took full responsibility for his performance.
The disparity between Norris and Piastri has become more pronounced, with Piastri leading Norris by 16 points in the championship standings. This gap has led to increased pressure on Norris, who was initially considered a strong contender for the title. The situation has been exacerbated by Norris’s decision to step back from social media due to online abuse, highlighting the mental toll of the ongoing comparisons.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has defended Norris, emphasizing the need for the team to support him in adapting to the car’s characteristics. Stella noted that the current generation of F1 cars requires a natural driving style, and overthinking can hinder performance. He stated, “These cars are too fast to think; you either kind of get what you anticipate from the car, or you’re going to be slow.”
Norris himself has admitted that his aggressive driving style may not be suited to the current car and tyre setup. He explained that pushing too hard can lead to instability and loss of grip, making it challenging to execute a perfect qualifying lap. This self-awareness indicates his willingness to adapt and improve, despite the difficulties faced.
Former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya has also weighed in, suggesting that Norris’s desire to outperform Piastri may be leading to unnecessary errors.