In the race for the title, every move counts and every mistake can be decisive. Lando Norris knows it well: the pressure is sky high and every imperfect start or battle with Verstappen becomes the object of criticism. With McLaren playing it all in a championship that is still wide open, team principal Andrea Stella has chosen to openly side with his driver, reassuring him that, regardless of the final results, Norris has nothing to prove.
At this stage of the season, where McLaren and Red Bull are fighting for the title, every opportunity on the track turns into a moment of tension. Norris has shown that he has an exceptional pace, but a few mistakes at the start have put his mental strength and position in the race to the test. Every slip-up has become the object of analysis and judgment, but Stella is convinced that his driver should not question himself at every start. The pressure of having to stand out against a champion used to fighting like Verstappen is not easy to handle, but the McLaren team principal wants Norris to know he can count on the support of the team.
The pressure of fighting for the title
Stella reiterated that Norris must not allow himself to be overwhelmed by self-criticism: “Every now and then I see Lando looking at his own performance as a glass half empty,” Stella explained, “but I want him to know that we are totally satisfied with his way of approaching the races.” The message is clear: Norris doesn’t have to prove himself every lap. “He doesn’t have to prove anything; he just races fair and square,” Stella reiterated, emphasizing how important it is for the team that Norris maintain his racing vision, not be consumed by pressure or the need to respond to criticism.
McLaren's constant support
At McLaren, Norris is fully supported. Andrea Stella confirmed that the team, from the beginning, has always reassured Norris about his driving style. “We are fully satisfied with the way Lando has raced in the past and will continue to do in the future,” said Stella. Even in the face of difficulties and penalties received, the team has always confirmed its approach: “You don’t have to try to demonstrate justice alone, there is a third party, the stewards, to establish what is right or wrong on the track.”
The challenge with Verstappen
The fact that Norris often finds himself fighting side by side with Verstappen adds further weight to the competition. Verstappen, used to racing under pressure, has perfected his aggressive style over the years. But for Stella, the important thing is that Norris continues to race without feeling obliged to replicate the same intensity: “Lando must concentrate on his driving, without thinking that every move is a test of his skill.”
Source statements: RacingNews365