Last year, during the Formula 1 season, a striking rumor circulated: one of the twenty drivers was regularly conducting private tests in rally cars. There was much speculation about the identity of this multi-talented driver, but in the run-up to the Saudi Arabian GP, he seems to have been unmasked. According to former Formula 1 journalist Peter Windsor, championship leader Lando Norris occasionally ventures into rally driving – and with success.
Previously, Valtteri Bottas and Lance Stroll were suspected of making forays into rally racing. The Finn has raced off-road in the past, and Stroll was spotted in a rally car earlier this year. However, according to Windsor, it is Lando Norris who is a great promise when it comes to rally driving. “I know he’s a serious fan of the WRC (World Rally Championship),” said the Brit in a YouTube interview with Cameron Cc.
‘Testament to Pure Rally Talent’
“And I hope I’m not revealing too many secrets when I say he’s already driven in WRC cars,” he added with a grin. “He’s incredibly good.” Norris would not be the first Formula 1 driver to try his luck in rally racing. Kimi Räikkönen embarked on a brief rally adventure after the 2009 season; he was back in Formula 1 by 2012.”
According to Windsor, we see the rally qualities of Lando Norris – in addition to his fondness for golf – also reflected in Formula 1. His victory during the opening race in Australia serves as an example. “The touch and feel of golf and rally cars was clearly visible on the wet asphalt of Melbourne,” he explained. “He made a number of beautiful slides. He leads the race, has Max Verstappen, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri in his wake, but manages to keep the rear on the track. That perfect ability to control the car is a testament to pure rally talent. It was simply fantastic to watch. He has so many qualities that people don’t mention often enough.”
