Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz have one of the most impressive relationships in the paddock. Best friends off the track and commendable drivers on the track. With mutual respect and passions linking the two friends, they make up one of those rare friendships that grace the cutthroat world of F1.

The two were teammates at McLaren for two years, a driving force behind their solidarity. However, Norris had initially underestimated the force that was Sainz. “Carlos, I believe, is one of the best drivers in Formula 1. It also didn’t make me look as good, because he’s an extremely good driver, and he did a very good job – like, fair play to him.”

Thus, the Brit admits to feeling eclipsed by his teammate. “I think I got shadowed a bit by him, because he was doing an exceptional job. I think this year I’ve taken that next step which would have been the same or maybe a bit better than him.”

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However, he admits it helped him progress as a driver. “a combination of understanding everything from the past few years,” has now molded Norris to be the driver he is- one leading the race, putting his McLaren on pole, and looking forward to a season of victories.

Lando Norris compares Sainz and Ricciardo

After being overshadowed by Sainz, Norris was confident taking on the challenge of Daniel Ricciardo. Although Ricciardo had a dull couple of years ahead of his shift to McLaren, his Red Bull career spoke volumes of his caliber as a driver.

Yet, after having worked with Sainz, Norris was prepared to work with the Aussie. “With Daniel, I didn’t feel nervous in any way when he came. A lot of people thought maybe I did, or asked the question, because he’s a multiple race winner he’s got podiums.”

Norris also credits this tenacity to the different teams his teammates have played for in the past. “Everyone knows what Daniel is capable of because he’s been in a car that’s won races. Whereas with Carlos, no-one knew as much what he was capable of, because he’s been in a Toro Rosso, a Renault and a McLaren.”

Regardless of the person he’s sharing a garage with Norris has shown great potential for the upcoming F1 season. Having had an illustrious season behind him, undoubtedly, redemption from the race in Sochi awaits McLaren’s young star.

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