Ex McLaren Mastermind Taints Lando Norris’ Impressive Record by Doubting His “Skill Set” to Conquer Other Racing Ventures

Last Lap Lando, was surely not the case for Lando Norris in the Spanish GP where he finished P17 despite starting P2. Norris has been an integral part of McLaren since the 2021 season, consistently proving his skill and determination on the track. With podium finishes and a maiden pole position under his belt, he has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in Formula 1. However, his abilities and potential have recently been questioned by ex-McLaren mastermind.

The talented driver of McLaren has been making waves in the world of Formula 1 with his remarkable performances. However, Neil Oatley the Director of Design and Development at McLaren Racing comments suggests he may not possess the same skill set required to adapt to various racing environments. In a podcast episode of F1 Beyond the Grid, Oatley expressed his skepticism about whether a fast racing driver can excel across different eras and racing disciplines.

Oatley’s doubt stems from the belief that racing drivers are unique individuals with different characteristics and skill sets. The host Tom Clarkson asked, “Do you think a fast racing driver is a fast racing driver across all areas, like could Lando be quick in an FWO7 equally, Carlos Reutemann or Alan Jones be quick in a modern car with enough practice?” Oatley responded, “I am not sure to be honest, I think the individuals are very different characters, the skill sets aren’t the same. So it may not naturally translate across such a wide period.”

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While Norris has shown his prowess in Formula 1, Oatley questions whether he would be equally quick in other racing disciplines or different eras of the sport. This skepticism challenges the notion that a fast racing driver can excel across all areas. On the track, Norris has faced setbacks that further complicate the picture.

Lando Norris realistic about Canada GP

At the Spanish Grand Prix, he qualified in a season-high third but suffered front-wing damage on the first lap after colliding with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes. This incident forced him to pit and left him struggling at the back of the field for the rest of the race. Norris reflects on the incident, saying, “Just as expected… Our target was to try and get into the points today, whether that was ninth or 10th or something.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming race in Canada, Norris remains realistic about McLaren’s performance. He acknowledges the team’s current standing, stating, “We are probably like the seventh quickest car, eighth quickest car. We are not even fighting for points at that rate, so we’re just going to have to keep working hard and keep our heads down, simple as that.”

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Norris remains determined, working hard to elevate McLaren’s performance and overcome the challenges they face. Only time will tell if he can prove Oatley wrong and continue to make his mark in the world of motorsport.