LANDO , HOPE & GLORY
Norris eyes up a home grand prix victory that would help propel him to status of national hero
LANDO NORRIS is a British star on the rise.
In the first three instalments of Formula One’s truncated season, the 20-year-old has caught the eye. Sitting fourth in the points table, he has become the third youngest driver to stand on the podium.
But while his progress from success in the junior ranks to the top level has been monitored eagerly by motorsport aficionados, he remains a relative unknown to the wider sporting public.
That could change over the next couple of weekends at Silverstone if the McLaren driver can continue the aggressive form that saw him finish third and fifth in the first two races of the season.
Norris said: “It’s a good opportunity to put myself out to the British people, absolutely.
“It does not change the way I go about things but it is a chance for me, if I do well, to get myself out there.
“Because of the situation we are in, more people might tune in to watch Formula One this weekend.”
Having finished third in the opening Austrian Grand Prix – promoted after Lewis Hamilton was penalised – Norris then produced two of the best laps of the season in the Styrian Grand Prix, also held at the Red Bull Ring the following weekend.
A barnstorming late charge saw him pass Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo and Racing Point’s Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez to finish fifth, having started ninth.
His 13th place at the Hungarian Grand Prix was disappointing, but Norris has still been one of the bright sparks of the season so far.
The Bristol-born driver and Carlos Sainz, who is heading to Ferrari next season, have brought welcome positivity to McLaren, who are third in the
constructors’ table behind the runaway Mercedes team.
Norris said: “I don’t think anyone expected Ferrari to be in this state.At no point last season did we consider trying to beat them – they were out of our league.
“They have taken a big step backwards, in terms of lap time anyway, and we have taken a small step forward.
“Red Bull still have a very good package when they nail everything – better car than ours 100 per cent – but they seem to have a more complicated car.
“We are in a position where we can capitalise on our opportunities on a much more regular basis. “At the same time, we are not where we want to be. Racing Point have jumped ahead of us. “If we want to compete for Championships, we are a long, long way behind Mercedes, but we are more competitive.” Expect Norris to be competitive in the British Grand Prix tomorrow and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix to follow. This young Brit has the chance to go mainstream.