After victories in Australia, Monaco, and Austria, Lando Norris is shifting his focus to Great Britain and his home race at Silverstone. The 25-year-old McLaren driver may secure his fourth win of the season there – and his first victory on home soil. His biggest challenger? Teammate Oscar Piastri, who also drives the highly competitive McLaren car. In the run-up to the British GP, Norris hopes that the fans will also embrace Piastri.
Following the GP of Austria, Lando Norris was asked about his upcoming home race. Now that a title fight has broken out within McLaren, some media fear that his teammate Oscar Piastri will receive little support in Silverstone. However, Norris urges British Formula 1 fans not to treat his teammate – currently the leader in the drivers’ standings – with hostility. The difference between the two McLaren drivers is currently only 15 World Championship points.
Extra pressure from home?
Given that the audience is likely to turn out in large numbers to support their compatriot – Norris even has his own grandstand at Silverstone – he hopes that Piastri will not have to face a cold reception. “I really hope that won’t happen,” he responded. “British fans are usually very tolerant towards all of us, and especially towards McLaren. So, I hope that the fans will embrace and encourage everyone in the first place.”
Lando Norris was then asked about the extra tension of a home race. In recent months, he seemed to succumb to the pressure of a title fight on several occasions. He had a disappointing qualification in Canada, and during the race, he collided with his teammate. “For me, there is no extra pressure,” Norris assured. “Of course, I would rather win here than anywhere else, but it doesn’t change anything. It just makes me wake up a bit happier in the morning. If it distracts me at all, it does so in a positive way. Besides, you experience pressure in every race, so it doesn’t make much difference. I’m mostly looking forward to it and will enjoy every day and every lap. After all, it remains a special experience to have my own grandstand and so many fans supporting me.”
