Lando Norris has dismissed the suggestion that he is merely 'lucky' in his tight battle for the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship against McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.
Why it matters:
The McLaren teammates are separated by just nine points as the F1 season resumes, setting up an intense internal battle for the remaining 10 rounds. This close contest highlights their on-track performance and adds a compelling storyline to the championship.
The context:
The season returns this weekend with the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort after the summer break. Piastri initially built a lead, but Norris fought back with three wins in the final four races before the hiatus, narrowing the gap significantly. Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer recently commented on the F1 Nation podcast that Norris had been fortunate in various moments, suggesting luck played a role in his current standing.
Norris's response:
Norris acknowledged "a little bit of luck" but also noted he has "been unlucky," calling it "life." He emphasized that he cannot control such external factors. Instead, he credits his longevity with McLaren and his consistent self-improvement as a driver this year. He pointed to his victory in Hungary as an example of hard work, not luck, where he improved his driving and executed a crucial one-stop strategy after a poor start to overcome Piastri.
- "I would not have won in Budapest if I didn't improve on those things myself, and that was not luck. That was hard work, a lot of dedication with my engineers and my team."
- He also highlighted making good decisions, staying out of trouble, and sticking to the rules, all of which contributed to earning points.
Piastri's perspective:
Piastri admitted to frustration during the British Grand Prix, where a controversial time penalty handed victory to Norris. However, he insists he doesn't feel "hard done by" when looking at the season as a whole. He expressed confidence in his performance and ability to control what is within his grasp.
- "There's always going to be things in racing that you don't necessarily agree with or don't go the way you want, and that's just part of it."
- He is focused on the upcoming 10 races and maintaining or improving his performance.
What's next:
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort marks the eagerly anticipated return of Formula 1, where both McLaren drivers will aim to gain a crucial advantage in their closely fought championship battle.