Silence is anything but golden for Norris
LANDO NORRIS admits even a first Silverstone podium would be overshadowed by a lack of crowds at his home race.
The McLaren driver, 20, will make his second appearance at the British Grand Prix but will do so in front of empty grandstands for the first time in the race’s history.
Formula One races are currently being held behind closed doors due to coronavirus restrictions, though it is hoped that circuits will be open to fans later in the season.
Norris romped to a maiden podium in Austria and, despite a tough Hungarian GP last time out, is armed with a McLaren which has proved it can compete with Lewis Hamilton and Co at the front of the grid.
But the British star is aware that the back-to-back races will not feel like home advantage without thousands of fans cheering him on.
“It will feel weird going to my home grand prix and not having any fans there,” said Norris.
“We call it the home race because of the fans.When they are not there, you’re just racing on a track without it having any proper meaning or atmosphere, like it did last year. It would have been nice to see more British flags with Norris on.
“It’s a shame, especially because we’re having a race there on Sunday and again next weekend. But at least we’re back and heading in the right direction.”
This weekend will see Hamilton continue his pursuit for a recordequalling seventh F1 world title.
The Briton climbed to the top of the drivers’ standings with a win in Hungary.
And the reigning champion will start as the strong favourite to win his home grand prix for a sixth time in seven seasons and a seventh in all.