SPANISH GP REVIEW: Sad Lando = Happy Me
Another race, another Max Verstappen win, but it just feels like it’s a matter of time before it all comes together for Lando Norris.
The last few races have given F1 fans hope, that the tide might finally be changing. From Norris’ last stint charge in Imola, to a titanic battle at Montreal two weeks ago. There is just a feeling that Max Verstappen might have to break sweat for his race wins this season.
The reactions after the race said it all and they pleased me. Lando Norris has built a brand on being the smiley, happy go lucky chap seemly just loving life in the paddock. This goes down with the youthful, Netflix types. But points had been raised about his ruthlessness and more importantly desire to win races.
Question marks had been raised in the past about how he raced his mate Verstappen and if he was giving him an easy ride, I felt he answered a few of those critics yesterday afternoon, even if he comes away without the win.
A lot didn’t go well for Lando in this race, another poor start and struggling to get past the lightning starting George Russell in the first stint. All meant he was playing catch up, which he ultimately didn’t recover from.
BUT, two things happened over the weekend that gives me faith that Lando Norris has what it takes to battle for a Championship.
Firstly, the start. It wasn’t a good one and was sluggish off the line. However, he showed a piece of aggression by attempting to squeeze Max to the edge of the track and beyond, it didn’t quite pay off and Max managed to incredibly keep his foot in it on the grass and still glide past the McLaren. It is through a positive sign that Lando is perhaps more comfortable in getting his elbows out to the three-time champion.
Secondly, his comments during and after the race were encouraging. He was fixated on chasing Max down before his last stop and had no concerns in having to pass the Mercedes on track. At the flag, he came home second, just two seconds behind Max. The Lando of the last few seasons would’ve been delighted with that, but instead he made his thoughts clear “I should have won, I f****d the start”. Hearing that, was music to my ears, a frustrated Lando now realising that he is missing out on race wins, rather than just being content with podiums. That shift in mindset will hopefully give us more brilliant racing between the two.
In this age of a generational talent in Verstappen being able to win from all situations. To beat him, you must be perfect. Lando and McLaren didn’t manage that on Sunday, but it does now seem that at least they realise they’re in the fight.