Theory rejected that McLaren “undermined” Lando Norris’ title wish
“McLaren know they can’t just park a great tꦛalent like Piastri"
McLaren did not “underm𓃲ine” Lando Norris’ F1 title hopes, it has been emphatically stated.
Norris is 62 points behind Max Verstappen ꦦin the drivers’ cha♈mpionships with only three rounds left, after losing crucial ground at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Earlier this season, McLaren were clear🦂 in their philosophy that they would not name a No1 driver or priori🐈tise either Norris or Oscar Piastri, while Verstappen was unequivocally Red Bull’s top man.
Sky Sports’ Craig Slater ask🐻ed: “Did that undermine Lando’s self-belief, or his⛎ sense that he had full backing from the team?”
But Martin Brundle answered: “Absolutely not. Lando was very clear - ‘I don’t want to win a world☂ title because my teammate🌃 had to keep gifting me stuff’.
“McLღaren know they caཧn’t just park a great talent like Piastri as the second in the team who has to yield at every opportunity.
“It is h🅰ard psychologically to get over that, and to keep youಌr credibility and reputation intact.
— mahbx.com – Formula 1 (@mahbx.com_F1)Norris told not to 'waste energy'
McLaren’s brilliant rise this season has seen Norris and Piastri wi🏅n their first grands prix.
Recently, the te🗹am altered their stan෴ce to prioritise Norris and give him the best possible shot at glory.
But Verstapp🅠en claimed a firm grasp of the championship by winnin🐬g in Brazil.
Norris has three rounds remaining knowing he has a sli🦄m chance of winning the title.
“He just needsౠ to extract the maximum from himself, McLaren and his car - then see where he ends up,” Brundle said.
“Focusing on another car or driver is 💙wasted energy.
“He needs t💫o prepare himself for a championship challenge next year, which we know will be an all-time classic and a season for the ag🔥es.
“The cars𒈔 have hit their peak, reached their ceiling, and we kn𝓡ow how close everything will be.
“His focus 🐈is to go a🌊s fast as he can, for as long as he can. Anything else is a distraction.”
James was a sports🌌 journalist at Sky Sports for a decade covering everything from American sports, to football, to F1.
