Norris to Tie McLaren's Most F1 Starts Record in Vegas
Lando Norris will achieve a significant milestone at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, making his 150th F1 start for McLaren, tying David Coulthard's record. Currently leading the world championship, Norris reflects on his journey while McLaren maintains equal opportunities for him and teammate Oscar Piastri, despite recent performance shifts. The British driver, poised for a potential first title, remains focused on a race-by-race approach.
Lando Norris is set to make his 150th Formula 1 start for McLaren at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, equaling David Coulthard's record as the longest-serving driver in the team's history. The 26-year-old British driver, currently leading the world championship standings, will break this record next week at the Qatar Grand Prix.
Why it matters:
- This milestone highlights Norris's enduring tenure and consistent performance with McLaren, a team he's been with for seven seasons.
- His current lead in the drivers' championship, with a 24-point advantage over teammate Oscar Piastri and 49 points over Max Verstappen, signifies a pivotal moment in his career and McLaren's season.
- A first-ever F1 title for Norris would be a significant achievement for both the driver and the team, underscoring McLaren's strong resurgence.
The Details:
- Milestone Achievement: Norris expressed pride in reaching 150 F1 starts, calling it a childhood dream come true and noting how quickly time has passed.
- Championship Lead: Norris currently leads the driver standings with three races remaining, a remarkable turnaround from a challenging start to the season.
- Team Dynamics: McLaren has secured its second consecutive Constructors' Championship, with both Norris and Piastri contributing significantly, each having won seven races this season.
- Equal Treatment: McLaren maintains an equal opportunity policy for both drivers, refusing to designate a favorite in the championship battle.
- Teammate Relationship: Despite speculation of tension due to fewer joint social media videos, Norris clarified that both drivers requested to reduce video content to focus on racing. He emphasized their mutual respect and shared goal for McLaren's success, maintaining a friendly relationship outside the car.
- Piastri's Recent Form: Oscar Piastri has experienced a dip in performance since winning the Dutch Grand Prix in August, securing only one podium finish in the subsequent six races. He enters Las Vegas with three consecutive fifth-place finishes.
- Personality Contrast: Norris described Piastri as very calm, down-to-earth, and relaxed, admiring his 'plain sailing' demeanor, contrasting it with his own more visibly expressed moods.
What's next:
- Norris will aim to extend his championship lead at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, continuing his 'one race at a time' approach.
- The Qatar Grand Prix will see Norris officially become McLaren's most-raced driver, surpassing Coulthard.
- The ongoing championship battle between Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen promises an exciting conclusion to the F1 season, with McLaren hoping to secure a driver's title alongside their constructors' success.