In his column ‘Overstuur’, Formula 1 romantic and writer Koen Vergeer reflects in his typical style on what preoccupies him during, before, and after the race weekends in Formula 1. This time, he discusses the battle between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. How long will this go well?
Well done, Lando! Finally, the right spirit. Good for the championship battle. Of course, it was classic Lando blundering at the start, forcing him to switch to the one-stop strategy. But the classic tyre poker game ended with a duel between the two championship contenders. And there, Norris finally showed a bit of a winner’s mentality again.
No one doubts that about Oscar Piastri. While his team was still figuring out how to attack Leclerc, Piastri replied that he was only interested in Norris. Now, that’s knowing what it’s all about. But when the Aussie launched his Ricciardo-esque attack in the penultimate lap, Norris slammed the door shut in his face. That’s what we want to see! That’s how it should be. No mercy.
Afterwards, Norris even started to brag: about how he is just very good at the end of the stint. Good for him! Away with all modesty and relativization, you don’t become a champion with that. Not in Formula 1.
On the pit wall, they’re nervous. Andrea Stella honked before the race once again that Oscar and Lando are becoming better friends every day. Sure. How long has Stella been in Formula 1? That’s why they reminded the gentlemen drivers over the radio at the end about how racing is done at McLaren. Papaya rules and so on. Forget it.
Max, Leclerc, the useless Lewis, and radio-Russell are no longer a threat. So, gradually, the two McLaren drivers are starting to despise each other. Logical. It’s not going to happen that the other one runs off with the title, is it? It’s only a matter of time before they have a major collision. The Tarzan turn is perfectly suited for it! We’re looking forward to it. Have a great summer break everyone!
