From Barista Duties for Fernando Alonso to Front Row Conquest, Lando Norris Recalls His US GP Journey

Lando Norris started his McLaren journey as a test driver in the most stereotypical fashion. The stereotype in question? The rookies and young reserves going on coffee runs for more experienced drivers. But five years later, Norris has outgrown his ‘barista’ image. The promising young talent is now closing in on the veterans and the three-time world champion. Starting on the front grid for the Sunday race in Austin, Norris is far from the shy British lad who delivered coffee to Nando.

In the opening lap of the 2019 United States Grand Prix, the McLaren rookie overtook Daniel Ricciardo and Sebastian Vettel. A two-for-one. It was beautiful and exciting to see a driver in his first year of Formula 1 challenging the veterans. Norris has treaded a far distance from his rookie season. Having never finished P5 and above at the Circuit of The Americas, he reflects on his journey to his 100th Grand Prix start.

Lando Norris shines at the United States Grand Prix

After downplaying the performance of the car, Lando Norris exceeded his own expectations on Friday. He started a bit slow and ended P15 in the first practice. However, the results during the practice can often be deceiving. As Max Verstappen‘s pole-setting lap was binned, Lando Norris was promoted to second on the grid behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Sandwiched between the Ferrari man and the seven-time world champion, Norris reflects on his progression through Formula 1.

Lando Norris started his rookie career as a shy 20-year-old. Look at him now. With three back-to-back podiums and a commanding lead at the Outfit, the Briton has emerged as an alpha of the pack. Reminiscing on his initial days as a reserve driver for McLaren, he mused, “I’ve been here since 2018- since I made coffee for Fernando.” He alluded to the viral video where he served coffee to Alonso, who drove for McLaren till 2018.

The Briton raced at the Circuit of The Americas for the first time in 2019. He finished P7 ahead of his then-teammate Carlos Sainz. Elaborating on his evolving experience in Austin, he said, “I enjoy coming here. I enjoy the weeks here. There are plenty of things to do. Plenty of nice golf courses. It’s good fun, good food.” 

READ MORE: “It’s Been Emotional”: Lando Norris Left Overwhelmed as First Podium at Home Made Special by Fans

The Briton has looked promising since the British Grand Prix this year. Although his car wasn’t the fastest in the past years, he has always raced to the limit, delivering the best. However, the livery is as important as the driver. And who would know this better than the Aston Martin driver, Fernando Alonso?

Fernando Alonso’s painful fall from second to seventeenth

McLaren drove to the Circuit of The Americas with low hopes. The absence of fast corners of Qatar in Austin is a setback for the orange livery. Despite the technicalities of the circuit not working in favor of the British Constructors, Norris set the second-fastest lap of the qualifying session. However, a team that started in the upper field in Bahrain has devolved into weekly disappointments.

The 42-year-old was on a flying start this year. After disappointing drives in McLaren and Alpine, Alonso jumped ship to Aston Martin. And the Outfit did deliver to the two-time world champion. However, as curtains slowly fall on the 2023 season, the development program for the Constructor has imploded.

For the first time in 18 races, Fernando Alonso failed to make it to Q3, putting him in 17th. Every upgrade brought by the British Constructor has, unfortunately, put their steps behind. The first half of the season looks like a distant dream. Two months ago, Alonso was P3 in the driver’s championship. They were ahead of Ferrari in P3. However, Hamilton and the Maranello outfit have leap-frogged Alonso and the AMR garage, respectively.

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The front grid has never looked as colorful as it looks in Austin. Do you think the race result will remain the same as the qualifying order? Or will Max Verstappen pull out some tricks up his American livery?