Johnny Herbert: Lando Norris Has Learned to Conserve Energy by Limiting Honesty

Johnny Herbert believes Lando Norris has matured, realizing that excessive honesty can be detrimental in Formula 1 and that he should channel all his energy into racing.

Why it matters:

Norris recently secured a dominant victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, taking the lead in the world championship standings by a single point over teammate Oscar Piastri. This shift in approach, as identified by Herbert, could be crucial for Norris as he navigates the high-pressure environment of a title fight, especially given his past tendency for candid self-assessment.

The Details:

• Herbert's Insight: Speaking on the Stay on Track podcast, three-time Grand Prix winner Johnny Herbert noted that Norris has been "very, very honest" in the past, a trait that can sometimes be exploited by rivals.
• The Downside of Honesty: Herbert explained, "Sometimes honesty is not something you want to get out there to the media because your teammate is going to hear about it. And sometimes I think your teammate can use that as a very powerful weapon against you."
• Energy Conservation: Herbert emphasizes that Norris has recognized the need to "completely use all the energy that he's got and not waste that energy on that honesty that comes out, because that honesty becomes a very negative thing for you."
• Recent Performance: While Norris excelled in Mexico, he had a slight dip in form after the summer break, including a retirement in the Netherlands due to mechanical issues and a seventh-place finish in Azerbaijan, where he failed to capitalize on Piastri's DNF. Despite this, he currently leads the standings with four races remaining.

The Big Picture:

Norris's recent win in Mexico, where he showcased exceptional car control in low-grip, high-downforce conditions, highlights his potential. His ability to adapt to challenging track conditions, such as the low air density in Mexico and potentially cold temperatures in Las Vegas, could be a significant advantage in the remaining races.

What's next:

If Norris continues to refine his approach, focusing all his mental and physical energy on performance rather than the pitfalls of public honesty, he stands a strong chance of securing his maiden world championship. His current lead, albeit slim, sets up an exciting conclusion to the season.