When Lando Norris made his Formula 1 debut with McLaren in 2019, he was already touted by many to be one of the sport’s brightest stars in the future. And with a few seasons under his belt, Norris cemented his commitment to the sport this year after delivering mega performances throughout the season.

The most recent of which came at the 2023 Brazilian GP, where Lando Norris gave Max Verstappen and Red Bull a solid run for their money. The young Briton finished second on the podium closely trailing Verstappen, only losing out due to the RB19’s superior tire wear management. They were joined by Fernando Alonso on the podium, which resulted in a wholesome exchange between the two-time champion and Norris.

Fernando Alonso reminds Lando Norris of his 2014 title after sharing the Brazilian GP podium

The 42-year-old had triumphed over Sergio Perez for the third spot on the podium after an intense battle that lasted for more than half of the Brazilian GP! Whilst Norris was humbled by the presence of two world champions on the podium next to him, the Spaniard had an encouraging reminder for the McLaren poster child.

After the exhilarating Brazilian GP was over, Lando Norris took to Instagram to share a selfie with Alonso and Verstappen. The trio were all smiles, with Norris holding up his P2 trophy. The Briton aptly titled the post – “2 World Champions and me 🏆“, prompting Fernando Alonso to step into the F1 dad role. “3 world champs. Don’t forget you won with @fa_alonsokart 🙄😇” He cheerfully brought to light Lando Norris’ karting world championship, which he happened to win, driving for Fernando Alonso’s karting team!

Although Norris has yet to win a Formula 1 race, let alone the world title, Fernando Alonso knew of his championship-winning capabilities way back in 2014, when Norris won the CIK-FIA Karting Championship. This was a wholesome gesture on Alonso’s part, given that the two are only separated by three points in the driver’s standings for 4th!

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It’s no secret that Lando Norris was feeling the pressure from Oscar Piastri after the Australian rookie managed to win the Sprint Race before Norris could. Whilst many, including Piastri, don’t count topping the Sprint Race as a win, it affected the Papaya Army’s favorite man. However, Norris might be the one to take the fight to Verstappen next year!

Lando Norris might have to change the caption to ‘3 World Champions’ in 2024

Fernando Alonso was referring to the Karting Championship when he spoke of Lando Norris’ title, but the Brit is on track to be a promising contender for the World title in 2024, if McLaren continues on their road to recovery. But at the start of the season, no one could have predicted that the MCL60 would match the RB19 for the majority of the laps during the Brazilian GP.

With their steady progress ever since the Dutch Grand Prix, they have provided Norris and Piastri with the right weapon to take the fight to Verstappen. Although it’s too soon for such pressure on Piastri, it’s exactly the opportunity Lando Norris has been waiting for. While luck hasn’t favored Charles Leclerc, another promising candidate to knock off Verstappen, the case is similar for Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.

The only realistic threat remaining for McLaren other than Red Bull right now is Aston Martin, but they have not been as consistent as the Papaya outfit. Andrea Stella’s promotion to Mclaren Team Principal and Zak Brown‘s unwavering trust in Norris create the perfect environment to spell disaster for Verstappen and Red Bull’s 2024 campaign. And in a sport where both drivers are crucial for the constructor’s standings, the odds favor Mclaren after Sergio Perez’s lackluster performances, losing out to Fernando Alonso at the Brazilian GP.

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Although Lando Norris’ main focus this year is to beat Fernando Alonso at the two remaining races, the signs are nothing but positive for the future. But it’s never for sure with Formula 1, the tables can turn at any second!