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Column | Could Lando Norris become World Champion as early as next season?
Lando Norris’ teammate duel became one of the biggest talking points during the winter break. How was the British driver going to live up to the challenge of being compared to Daniel Ricciardo in equal machinery? The summer break has arrived and he’s left us wondering why we even doubted him for a single second.
Without question, Norris performed well in his first two seasons of Formula 1. But since March, he has exploded onto the scene to prove that he really could be the next golden boy in F1. The sport has unlocked yet another gem in this upcoming generation packed with jewellery and stardust.
We know what Max Verstappen can do. The Dutchman is tried and tested. We know what Charles Leclerc can do, though he could do with being a little bit more consistent when Ferrari return to the top. George Russell has demonstrated that he is ready for the Mercedes seat alongside Lewis Hamilton in 2022. And that’s before testing the rich nectar in Formula 2 and beyond.
2021 proves that Norris is well amongst the crop that will take over the F1 flag carrying from the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen. And here’s why.
Norris stats in 2021
Up until the Hungarian Grand Prix, Norris was the only driver to have scored points in every race during the 2021 season. And let’s be honest if he didn’t get caught up in the crash with Valtteri Bottas, he’d have been in a very good position for a podium, if not the race win.
He’s ahead of both Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in the World Championship. The Mercedes driver has a pole position to his name, and the Red Bull driver won a Grand Prix. Norris has secured three podiums this season, one more than Perez who is supposedly driving one of the best cars on the grid. The only positive statistic that really alludes Norris is a race win that could’ve easily have came in Hungary.
The Brit is a full 30 points in front of his former teammate Carlos Sainz, and further three points ahead of Leclerc. The 21-year-old has competed in all Q3 sessions and gained places from his starting grid spot in all but two Grands Prix he has finished. The only two he failed to gain places were starts in the top three. It’s been a truly dominant performance over the other midfield drivers.
In Austria, Norris achieved a front row result in qualifying. Crucially, he beat both Mercedes drivers who share the exact same engine as Norris. On this occasion at least, Norris and his team of engineers formed a far better set-up and balance than their counterparts. Aside from the racing, Norris is highly likeable as a person. He always says the correct things in the media and has a strong fanbase.
Norris compared with Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo is a proven seven-time Grand Prix winner, including an impressive victory on the streets of Monte Carlo. A driver who has recorded 31 podiums in his career, including a couple during a strong season for Renault in 2020. He was also the last teammate to really push Max Verstappen, though the Dutchman was less experienced in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Ricciardo rocked up at McLaren with plenty of expectation. But for whatever reason, the Australian has failed to get anywhere near the best out of that car. It was dubbed as a make or break duel for Norris. Could he really stand up against someone with the talent that Ricciardo holds?
Well, it has been make or break for both drivers. That part is true. But perhaps the coin has fallen the other way compared to what the majority of F1 fans, pundits and other stakeholders expected. Norris has seriously kicked on and polished his skills and results.
Norris is the shining light from the midfield. Formula 1 have uncovered a gem of a driver. If Andreas Seidl’s team ace the 2022 rule and regulation changes, then McLaren have a British driver who can really fight for the 2022 World Championship.