While most people would say acquiring Daniel Ricciardo is key to Mclaren’s future success, Lando Norris is the real key.
Norris is 20, has plenty of time to improve and has driven in the Mclaren for two years, which should make him the number one driver as he knows the driving strategy and team chemistry.
Ricciardo will be driving at his third team and, at 31, we have seen with many older drivers’ reactions become slower and they lose pace.
In Tuscany, Ricciardo was poor in defending his third-place finish. Norris, on the other hand, drove through adversity to keep Mclaren in the points.
He is a competitive beast but Norris has a similar mentality to Lewis Hamilton, which is to drive in a zone – no distractions and a calm and cool head.
“I don’t think we had enough pace to really do much more,” said Norris after the Grand Prix, in a show of his maturity.
Once Norris is in that zone, no one stops him.
Norris attacks the contest and drives the car with awareness to fight – similar to Pierre Galsy in taking risks.
Importantly, Norris brings a fun environment and, at Mcrlaren, this is much needed as it provides the perfect atmosphere. Look at Richmond in the AFL – having a bit of fun keeps the team happy and calm.
Finally, Norris is contracted to the 2022 season, which is proof he is the future of this historic team which has produced some of the world’s best drivers.
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
That rankled me a little.......
Dexter The Hamster
Roar Rookie
Sorry Patrick, but you lost me at "Ricciardo was poor". That shows a lack of comprehension on the situation. The RB was a faster car all weekend, and that Mugello straight, with DRS, made defending almost impossible if the car behind is quicker. If anything Danny Ric was out of position, having driven the wheels off it, and getting the jump on Stroll in the pitstops. I like Lando, I think he is a great character, and has pace to burn. Will be a great matchup next season, a fun team to support, and a good chance at podiums with the Merc engine on board. I can see Lando even winning the qualifying battle over the course of the year. Maybe. I just don't see the reason to downplay DR as too old and slow, especially when you consider Kimi, Seb and 7-time WC Lewis Hamilton are all significantly older.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Ricciardo was "poor" in his defending? :laughing: What was he supposed to do to prevent the quicker RB on fresh soft tyres overtaking him, ram him off the road?! :shocked: