Alan Jones, the 1980 F1 world champion, has doubled down on his controversial assessment of Lando Norris, calling him "mentally weak" for openly discussing his struggles. Jones contrasts this with Oscar Piastri's robust mental fortitude and professional dedication, positioning the young Australian as a future F1 world champion.
Why it matters
Jones believes that publicly acknowledging mental challenges can be a significant disadvantage in the highly competitive world of Formula 1. His comments highlight a veteran's perspective on the psychological demands of elite motorsport, potentially influencing perceptions of both drivers.
The details
- Jones reiterated his view that Norris is "a bit weak mentally," stating, "Anyone who comes out and admits they have a slight mental problem has already lost before the start." He suggests drivers must remain intensely focused and guarded.
- Conversely, Jones heaped praise on Piastri, citing his consistent success in Formula 3 and Formula 2, and his current lead in the F1 drivers' championship.
- He emphasized Piastri's unwavering commitment and professionalism, noting, "He’ll do whatever it takes to win a race. That’s what you have to do."
- Jones also pointed to Piastri's "psychologically astute" approach in the garage, staying out of politics and being "a man of few words" as a key advantage.
- Piastri currently leads Norris by nine points in the championship standings ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix.
The big picture
Jones sees Piastri as a driver with all the necessary attributes to follow in his footsteps as an Australian F1 world champion. His comparison draws a clear line between two distinct mental approaches to the sport, raising questions about vulnerability versus perceived strength.