Formula One legend, Damon Hill, recently shared insights on the talented Lando Norris, labeling him “a force” in the realm of racing. Despite his praise, Hill cautioned Norris, pointing out a potential pitfall that the young driver encountered in the previous season. This “trap”, as Hill terms it, arose when Norris faced off against Max Verstappen, his friendly off-track acquaintance and fierce on-track adversary.
Last season, Norris made his mark in the world of F1, clinching his first career Grands Prix. He proved to be the closest competition to Verstappen in the quest for the Drivers’ title. However, Verstappen, the formidable Red Bull driver, emerged victorious, securing his fourth consecutive championship with two races in hand.
As Norris gears up for the new racing season, he is determined to secure his first World Championship. Nevertheless, the young McLaren driver understands the challenges he is up against. Not only will he face strong competition on the racetrack, but he will also have to navigate the complexities of his off-track friendship with Verstappen.
Hill, the 1996 World Champion, noted that Norris’ friendly relationship with Verstappen could potentially cloud his judgment on the track. He opined that Norris might mistakenly perceive his on-track rivalry with Verstappen as a friendly competition, undermining the reality of the aggressive competition underneath the helmet.
Speaking to MailSport, Hill commented on Norris’ potential to outperform other talents such as Oscar Piastri. “Oscar is brilliant, but Lando has pulled out a bit extra when needed. Oscar is talented but Lando is a force,” Hill stated.
Hill also touched on Norris’ self-critical nature, stating that Norris holds himself accountable for his faults and is never satisfied unless he maximizes his potential. This trait, Hill believes, is indicative of a great driver.
Furthermore, Hill expressed his support for McLaren, his local team, and his wish to see them excel, albeit not dominate. He shared his preference for a challenging and exciting competition, beneficial for both the fans and the sport.
Hill also discussed the evolution of Formula One, highlighting how the sport has become more complex since his time behind the wheel. He remarked on the rapid influx of information drivers now have to process, and commended Norris for his ability to absorb and utilize this information effectively on the track.