Flavio Briatore recently hit the headlines after his return to F1 as the advisor of Alpine. The man, once banned from the sport for a lifetime, is in full action. Briatore has now shed light on an intriguing matter that has surely struck the inquiring minds of F1 fans. The 74-year-old advisor believes he has discovered why Lando Norris and his team can’t convert their strong track performances into wins.

In recent years, McLaren has become a formidable force in F1 under Zak Brown‘s leadership, boasting a young, fast driver lineup. However, despite their potential, they’ve secured only three wins in the last five years. This caught the attention of Flavio Briatore, whose extensive F1 experience makes his analysis invaluable for teams and motorsport enthusiasts.

Flavio Briatore spoke to Radio Rai about the Austrian GP and his observations. In this conversation, the expert noted: It [McLaren] has improved, but last year it wasn’t bad. This year it has also thrown away two races due to lack of experience because it has a young team and drivers. For me, it is at the level of Red Bull.” By “thrown away two races” Briatore means, McLaren missed two golden chances to win a race. The first was in Barcelona, where despite starting from P1, Lando Norris failed to hold his position. The second one needs no explanation, it was the Austrian Grand Prix [no points for guessing what is being talked about!]

This brings a question to curious minds. First, is it the ‘inexperience’ that is costing Lando Norris? Second, can McLaren win more races this season? Above all, is experience the only key to winning races in F1?

Does Lando Norris need to be more seasoned to win more races in F1?

Experience is highly valued in any sport, including F1, but it’s not the only key to winning races. Lewis Hamilton won his first race in his rookie season after just six Grand Prix. Legends like Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna competed fiercely against more seasoned drivers in their first season. Similarly, Lando Norris, with five years in F1, has shown remarkable talent, outperforming experienced teammates like Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo. The Briton has showcased his talent in the cockpit!

Even now, he is emerging as a true terror on the track. Always on the top and never ready to give up easily. That’s Lando Norris for you! Some might say, Lando’s winning luck goes on holidays on race weekends while some will choose to always criticize the Briton. Above all this is just the beginning. And as most experts have already pointed out, Lando is in his prime at the moment. He declared his very existence in the sport by winning the Miami GP earlier this year and maybe there are more wins up the alley.

Flavio Briatore’s observations on McLaren highlight the importance of experience, but it’s not the only factor in Formula 1 success. Despite his youth, Lando Norris has shown great talent. With the upcoming British GP, all eyes will be on Norris. Especially after his infamous DNF in Spielberg last week. His performance on his home soil will thus be highly anticipated.

As Norris continues to gain experience and McLaren further refines its strategies and car performance, the team is poised to capitalize on its strengths.  Fans hope to see their favorite win his second Grand Prix and one must keep in mind, that the competition in F1 will always escalate and never subside. What is your thought on Flavio Briatore’s expert opinion? Share below!