Günther Steiner suggests Lando Norris must keep his composure to challenge Oscar Piastri, or risk supporting his teammate in the title race.
Will Lando Norris be forced to play second fiddle to Oscar Piastri? That’s the view of former Haas team principal, Günther Steiner. According to Steiner, if McLaren F1 can’t keep up with Max Verstappen’s dominance, Norris may be instructed to assist his teammate, who took the lead in the championship in Jeddah.
“It’s still too early,” Steiner said on the Red Flags podcast. “But if Max keeps doing what he’s doing now, I think they’ll need to tell someone to move aside. I always thought if McLaren could be strong enough – not truly dominant because something always seems to get in their way – but if there’s no threat from others, I think Zak [Brown] would let them race to the end. That’s my opinion. But if Max closes in, I think after the summer break, there might be an order for Lando to back off.”
Steiner believes that both Norris and Piastri are equally talented, but it’s the Australian’s calm demeanor that sets him apart: “Yes, we all see it. He’s so calm, well-mannered. Nothing seems to faze him. If he finishes second, he’s not happy, but he doesn’t throw a tantrum.”
“He’s very mature. And that’s what I’ve always said. Talent-wise, I think they’re equal. But he has this ability to remain composed no matter what happens. He doesn’t seem Italian at all!”
Steiner wonders if Norris will stop making mistakes when the pressure is off: “On track, he’s shown what he can do behind the wheel. He’s really good, but he makes mistakes. And I think he knows that. He’s been his own biggest critic, admitting when he’s messed up.”
“It’s clear now, last year he struggled with starts, repeatedly having issues getting away properly. He’s doing better now, but I don’t know, at some point, I think he’ll be better when there’s less pressure. Or maybe when he’s told to move aside. At that point, there’s no pressure anymore.”
The Italian believes Norris has only one thing to solve: “He just needs to stay calm. I’ve said it many times, that’s the only thing he needs to do. Otherwise, you can’t really advise him on driving because he can drive. It’s not about driving.”
“It’s all about controlling his nerves, his concentration. I think now he sees that Oscar is also very fast. He knows he can match him, and he’s trying to do that because it’s so tight between them. Right now, he’s making more mistakes than Oscar.”
- Discover More>Sauber F1’s Miami Challenge: Special Livery and High Stakes
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update
Steiner: Norris Needs Calm to Match Piastri’s Consistency Steiner: Norris Needs Calm to Match Piastri’s Consistency
- Mexican Grand Prix Extended Until 2028
- Ferrari Celebrates Miami GP with Special Livery for HP Partnership
- Ocon Hails Laura Müller: F1 Engineer of Remarkable Dedication
- Mick Schumacher and Perez Linked to Cadillac F1 Team
- Vettel Banned from F1 Return by His Kids, Red Bull Role Possible