Australia's 1980 Formula 1 World Champion Alan Jones has reiterated his criticism of Lando Norris, reinforcing his belief that Norris is "weak" mentally. Jones suggests that by openly discussing his mental struggles, Norris has "already lost" to his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, in the escalating F1 2024 title battle.
Why it matters:
This renewed critique from a respected F1 legend adds another layer of intrigue to the intense rivalry between the McLaren drivers. As the F1 2024 season progresses, the mental fortitude of both Piastri and Norris will be under intense scrutiny, potentially influencing the championship outcome.
The big picture:
Lando Norris has previously spoken about his mental health issues and is known for being hard on himself, a trait his team boss Zak Brown acknowledges he is working to improve. However, Jones views these candid admissions as a sign of weakness in the cutthroat world of F1. Piastri, on the other hand, is currently leading the Drivers' Championship, with Norris just nine points behind after securing three wins in his last four races, bringing him back into strong contention.
The details:
- Jones's original stance: "The first person you've got to beat is your team-mate," Jones stated on Fox Sport's 'The Back Page'. He added that Piastri "can do it (become World Champion) this year," describing Norris as "quite quick, there's no doubt about that. But mentally, I think he's quite a weak person."
- Doubling down: In a fresh interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de, Jones reaffirmed his view. He believes Norris "already lost" to Piastri by admitting to a "mental problem."
- Piastri's psychological edge: "In terms of mentality, he [Piastri] has an advantage over Lando," Jones asserted, adding, "Anyone who comes out and admits that they have a slight mental problem has already lost before they even start. You have to stay very focused, not tell anyone anything and not reveal any secrets."
- Piastri's approach: Jones cautiously praised Piastri for being "smarter in the sense that he stays on his side of the garage. He is not involved in politics, he is a man of few words. Perhaps he is acting more psychologically astute."
What's next:
The F1 2024 season is far from over, with 10 rounds remaining, resuming with the Dutch Grand Prix. McLaren is on track for a potential title double, holding a significant 299-point lead over Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship. The Drivers' Championship has become a thrilling head-to-head battle between Piastri and Norris, with both vying to become World Champion.