It was majestic, it was exhilarating, it was ultimately heartbreaking. Lando Norris’s appearance at the Russian Grand Prix ended in agony for the 21-year-old when bad weather and a questionable team strategy ruined his first Formula 1 race win. McLaren’s refusal to pit him in the rain in Sochi to change tires sparked much discussion, but in the midst of it all, one idea seemed perfectly clear: a new star was born.
What is going to be fascinating now, however, is how brightly this star can shine over the course of his F1 career?
Lewis Hamilton seems to have little doubt. It was he who benefited from the late drama in Russia of overtaking Norris and taking his 100th Grand Prix victory, but afterwards he praised his fellow British fellow for his ‘incredible’ work before declaring, “He’s like that young, he has so many victories ahead of him. He does a great job leading this team. “
Whether Norris will achieve the “many” victories that Hamilton imagines in a McLaren is of course up for debate. The team is in third place in the constructors’ championship and is increasing in relevance again after a few difficult years, but the prospect of seriously challenging Mercedes and Red Bull for titles is still a long way off.
Which might make this breakthrough season even more impressive for 21-year-old Norris. If his campaigns in 2019 and 2020 showed promising rays of hope, he will have fought the big boys in 2021.
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The 2016 world champion, Nico Rosberg, has no doubts about his references.
“Lando has absolutely what it takes to be a world champion,” he said at the beginning of the year. “This year he proves it more than ever against Daniel (Ricciardo), who is a phenomenal driver. The way he’s dominating him this year is really impressive. “
Indeed, Norris clearly boasts of his race management and driving skills to compliment the exuberance of youth.
In Austria his temperament was tested this year when he rreceived a penalty during the race after being classified as forced Sergio Perez Off the track. He recovered properly and came third.
In Sochi, he lost his lead on the first lap after being overtaken by Carlos Sainz – but kept his head to catch up on lap 13.
Given his successful junior career, it may come as no surprise that his pedigree shows through, and his current campaign shouldn’t be an isolated one.
There have been connections and obvious conversations with Red Bull already. McLaren has already rewarded him with a contract that will keep him there until 2023 – it keeps him beyond what could prove difficult if he continues to excel at this pace and improved.
Hamilton has admitted to being suspicious of his abilities. Depending on how long the reigning seven-time world champion hangs out, he may soon have to take care of him in a title race.
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