Former F1 team principal offers McLaren crucial advice over… Read More
Lando Norris has faced a challenging start to the current Formula 1 season, despite beginning the year with a victory in Australia. While his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri has excelled—winning four of the first six races—Norris has struggled to find consistent form in the new MCL39 car.
Former Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer has weighed in on Norris’s situation and offered advice to McLaren on how best to support the young British driver. Speaking on the RacingNews365 podcast, Szafnauer emphasized the importance of emotional and psychological backing during difficult periods. He believes that consistent reassurance and support from the team could play a vital role in helping Norris regain his best form.
Szafnauer suggested that mistakes often arise not from a lack of skill, but from overdriving—a situation where a driver pushes beyond their natural limits in an attempt to make up lost ground or prove something. While he clarified that he isn’t accusing Norris of doing this, he acknowledged it as a common issue among competitive drivers.
His key message to McLaren was simple: remind Norris of his capabilities and provide an environment that builds confidence rather than doubt. Szafnauer said: “Support. Just absolute support. Reassure him that if you make those silly mistakes, it’s not a big deal. Look to the next one.”
He further explained that mistakes are part of the sport and should not derail a driver’s confidence. “If he gets external reassurance, that will give him the confidence. Sometimes you make those mistakes because you overdrive – sometimes. I’m not saying that’s what he’s doing. I’m just saying it can happen,” Szafnauer added.
He advised the team to encourage Norris to focus on driving within his natural abilities, which are already strong enough to win races. According to Szafnauer, consistent internal support can alleviate pressure and help Norris re-center his performance approach. “Just drive to within your limits; your limits are fast enough. Don’t make those mistakes, and you’ll be the winner,” he said.
Norris has long been known for his candid nature, often openly acknowledging his own errors on the track. While this self-awareness can be a strength, it may also amplify the pressure he places on himself during a rough patch.
With McLaren showing strong pace and Piastri already capitalizing on the car’s potential, Szafnauer’s comments underscore the importance of team dynamics in ensuring both drivers can perform at their peak. His advice serves as a timely reminder that success in Formula 1 is as much about mindset as it is about machinery.
