Lando Norris Urged to Stay Confident A… Read More
Lando Norris has often found himself going wheel-to-wheel with Max Verstappen in recent Formula 1 seasons, with their on-track duels capturing fans’ attention. However, former Haas F1 team boss Guenther Steiner has advised Norris not to become “paranoid” or overly cautious when racing against the reigning World Champion.
Their rivalry resurfaced during the recent Miami Grand Prix, where Norris finished second after a tense on-track encounter with Verstappen. Reflecting on the race, Norris commented on the scrutiny he faces, saying, “If I don’t go for it, people complain. If I go for it, people complain, so you can’t win.” This highlights the criticism he often receives regardless of his racing choices.
Steiner, speaking on the Red Flag podcast, encouraged Norris to block out external opinions and focus on his own instincts and decisions. “Focus more on yourself, what you want to do, and not what people say,” Steiner said. He emphasized that drivers must prioritize their own approach over fan or media commentary and trust their own skills and judgment.
Martin Brundle, former F1 driver and current commentator, also weighed in, suggesting that Verstappen races Norris differently than he does Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri. This observation implies that Verstappen might be taking advantage of Norris’ more cautious style.
Steiner admitted that if Norris becomes more aggressive in his racing against Verstappen, a collision might be inevitable. However, he also said that such a moment could help Norris establish a clearer boundary and show his assertiveness on track. “At some stage you will crash into Max,” Steiner said. “But just get the confidence to do it.” He stressed that the focus should not be on deliberately provoking a crash but rather on having the courage to hold firm in wheel-to-wheel combat.
He continued by encouraging Norris to define his own racing style, even if that means occasionally risking contact. “He’s always just a little bit shy — he doesn’t want to do anything which could be negative,” Steiner remarked. “But he should say, ‘This is how I want to race. If he turns in on me and we crash, so be it.’”
Ultimately, both Steiner and Brundle agree that Norris has the talent to challenge Verstappen but must embrace a more confident and assertive approach. Avoiding fear of criticism and trusting his instincts may be the key to unlocking even greater success in his F1 career.
