Norris Haunted by Zandvoort DNF Despite Mexico Win, Leading Championship

Lando Norris, fresh off a triumph in Mexico that put him a point ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri in the championship, admits he's still haunted by his DNF at Zandvoort. A power unit issue cut his race short in the final laps, costing him crucial points that would have solidified his championship position earlier.

Why it matters:

After a strong run of podium finishes, Norris leading the championship for the first time since April highlights a significant turnaround for both him and McLaren. However, the lingering frustration from Zandvoort underscores the razor-thin margins and mental challenges in F1, especially as he now becomes the hunted in the title race.

The Details:

• Norris's DNF at Zandvoort resulted in a loss of 18 points, a particularly bitter pill as teammate Oscar Piastri went on to win that very race from pole, gaining a 25-point net advantage over Norris at the time.
• Despite the setback, Norris has had a consistent run since, securing podiums in almost every race, except for a P7 finish in Azerbaijan.
• His recent victory in Mexico has propelled him to the top of the championship standings, currently leading Piastri by a single point.
• Mental Approach: Norris emphasizes the importance of moving past previous results, stating, "You forget about that as much as you can, and you just focus on every race coming up." He believes in a fresh start for every weekend to "try new things and try and do better than before."
• He views his Mexico performance as his best yet but acknowledges a long season ahead, focusing on consistency against "very quick guys around me."

The Big Picture:

Norris has effectively reversed the deficit to Piastri since the Zandvoort incident, showcasing remarkable resilience and performance. His current championship lead marks a significant milestone for him personally and for McLaren, who haven't secured a Drivers' crown since 2008.

What's next:

With four rounds remaining in the Formula 1 championship, Norris faces immense pressure as the hunter has become the prey.

• He not only needs to defend his lead against his McLaren teammate, Piastri, but also against rival Max Verstappen, who is expected to rebound strongly after Red Bull Racing's recent struggles in Mexico.
• Norris insists his approach won't change, regardless of his championship position: "It doesn't mean because I'm ahead or behind or whatever that I have to drive or do anything differently. So, just keep doing what I'm doing."
• The upcoming races will test Norris's consistency and mental fortitude as he aims for his maiden world title against formidable competition.