Lando Norris is currently having an excellent weekend in Mexico City. After recording blazingly fast times in the free practice sessions at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, he secured the first starting position on Saturday with a convincing pole lap. With his teammate Oscar Piastri in P7, he also has the opportunity to reclaim the championship lead. According to former driver Ralf Schumacher, we have been dealing with a new Norris since his retirement in Zandvoort.
In his last fast lap in Mexico, Norris was nearly three-tenths faster than Charles Leclerc, who surprisingly grabbed the second starting spot. Even more striking was the substantial gap to teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri – the Australian was more than half a second short and had to settle for the seventh time. Max Verstappen, the other title contender, will start from the fifth position on Sunday. As a result, Norris can make significant gains in the fight for the world championship.
Schumacher Sees a ‘Relaxed’ Norris
After the GP in Zandvoort – where Norris retired with an oil leak – Piastri seemed to be heading for his first world title. However, since then, the Brit has made up a considerable number of points on his teammate. The difference between the two is only fourteen championship points leading up to the Mexican GP. Former driver and analyst Ralf Schumacher told the German branch of Sky Sports that the retirement in the Netherlands was actually a ‘turning point’ for Norris.
“Zandvoort was absolutely a game-changer for Norris,” said Schumacher. “After that, he realized he could be faster than Piastri, as long as he drove a bit more relaxed. He has worked hard on this, and he has now found his routines that help him.” Norris was often criticized in the past for his lack of mental resilience. After a disappointing result, the Brit sometimes showed vulnerability, indicating a lack of self-confidence and unrest in the car. According to Schumacher, this new, more relaxed Norris has become a formidable opponent.”
