Damon Hill Backs Lando Norris for F1 Title Bid: 'He's Back with a Vengeance'

Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 world champion, has publicly endorsed Lando Norris as genuine world championship material, citing his recent resurgence and consistent performance. This comes as Norris currently leads the drivers’ standings by 24 points over his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, with just three races and a sprint event remaining in the season, carrying significant momentum.

Why it matters:

After a period where his form seemed to dip, Norris's renewed vigor and strong results have positioned him as a strong contender for the F1 title. Hill's support, particularly from a 'patriotic point of view,' highlights the high expectations placed on Norris to potentially become the next British world champion. A title win for Norris would not only mark a significant milestone in his career but also solidify McLaren's return to the top tier of Formula 1.

The Details:

• Hill's Endorsement: Speaking to The Mirror, Damon Hill praised Norris, stating, "Lando is world champion material, he's already shown that this year. There was a time when he went missing, but he's definitely back with a vengeance now, so it's looking good for him."
• Patriotic Support: Hill emphasized the strong tradition of British world champions, noting, "From a patriotic point of view, of course we're rooting for Lando – keep it in the family a little bit! We've got a great record in this country of world champions."
• Piastri's Struggles: Hill also acknowledged Oscar Piastri's recent dip in form, but expressed confidence in his ability to rebound with the guidance of his manager, Mark Webber. He stressed the importance of having trusted advisors in a sport that can be "quite a lonely place."
• No McLaren Favoritism: 1980 F1 champion Alan Jones vehemently dismissed rumors of McLaren favoring Norris over Piastri. Jones stated, "teams don’t spend an absolute fortune travelling around the world to stymie one car or give preference to the other," asserting that both drivers receive equal equipment and treatment.

The big picture:

Norris's current lead and momentum are critical as the season draws to a close. The championship battle is tight, and while Piastri's performance has recently wavered, the competitive nature within McLaren remains intense. The team's commitment to equal treatment, as highlighted by Alan Jones, ensures a fair fight to the finish, emphasizing driver skill and on-track performance as the ultimate determinants. This internal rivalry, coupled with Norris's ambition and Hill's backing, sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the F1 season.

What's next:

With only three races and a sprint event left, the pressure on Norris to maintain his lead is immense. The upcoming races will be crucial in determining whether he can convert his current momentum into a maiden world championship title. Hill's words of encouragement and the dismissal of team favoritism add to the narrative of a fair and intense battle, making the final stretch of the season a must-watch for F1 fans.