Lando Norris, once a favorite in the F1 2025 season, faces unexpected hurdles as his teammate Oscar Piastri takes the lead.
- Norris isn’t dwelling on past performances despite Piastri’s rise to the championship lead.
- Guenther Steiner suggests that Norris should support Piastri, whose calm demeanor has led to consistent results.
- Steiner’s comments on Norris being the ‘wanker of the week’ highlight a pivotal moment for the young driver.
- Max Verstappen’s overwhelming presence looms, prompting further strategic considerations for McLaren.
Lando Norris, tipped as a potential star in the 2025 F1 season, is now confronting unexpected difficulties. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, has not only caught up but surged ahead in the standings. Piastri’s impressive calmness and maturity on the track have been crucial in his rise, making Guenther Steiner’s advice to Norris to consider his teammate’s strengths more significant.
The podcast appearance where Steiner named Norris the ‘wanker of the week’ was a wake-up call. Steiner noted Piastri’s unflappable nature, highlighting how he manages setbacks with maturity, unlike Norris, who appears rattled by recent performances. Steiner emphasized talent equality but stressed Piastri’s ability to stay composed as his advantage.
Norris’s ongoing struggle with race starts and self-critical nature have been public knowledge, with Steiner acknowledging Norris’s own recognition of his mistakes. The discussion turns to McLaren’s strategic priorities, especially with Max Verstappen’s potential to complicate their path to dominance. Steiner suggested that McLaren might need to prioritize one driver over the other as the season progresses, especially if Verstappen’s form continues.
Steiner also pointed out the possible weakness in Norris’s support system, noting how Piastri benefits from having Mark Webber’s experienced guidance. In contrast, Norris lacks a similar mentor figure, which could be a factor in his current struggles. The question arises whether McLaren will lean towards Piastri in their strategic focus, given his current advantage and calm performance under pressure.
Lando Norris faces a crucial phase in his career where adapting to new challenges will define his future in F1.
