Lando Norris Rues 4 Missed Opportunities to Sink Further Down the Rabbit Hole of Self-Doubt

The 2023 season so far has been a rollercoaster of emotions, especially for everyone at McLaren. The Woking outfit looked set for yet another disappointing season as they missed their developmental timeline once again. However, the British GP marked an end to their run of disappointments. The upgrades introduced by McLaren made an instant impact and Lando Norris reaped the rewards. But with podiums coming thick and fast, the team’s standards and expectations have risen. Norris showcased that in his post-Qatar GP interview, where he sunk himself into a pit of despair.

Despite possessing the speed for securing pole position and a race, Norris was not only out-qualified by his teammate, but he also made mistakes throughout the weekend. These mistakes might’ve not ruined Norris’s weekend entirely per se, but he could not achieve what he potentially could have done in Qatar. The Brit revealed the four opportunities he feels he missed out on when asked to review the weekend by the F1 Nation podcast’s host Tom Clarkson.

Norri said, “Yes. I mean I don’t know how much quicker Max (Verstappen) could’ve done in qualifying. But if I guess I want to be honest with myself, I should’ve fought for two pole positions this weekend and potentially two victories.”

Expressing self-doubt, he added, “I know it’s a big thing to say. But I think if things went well if I just did a better job and didn’t make the mistakes I did over last two days, which is why I’ve been so frustrated. Because I knew what was on the cars, what we were able to potentially achieve and that was victories, both yesterday and today. I feel like it was a weekend of missed opportunities for myself. To take the fight to Max and at least give ourselves that opportunity. – In the back of my head, I know I should’ve done more this weekend.”

Read More: “This Will Really Hurt Him”: Caution Raised for Zak Brown & Co. As Lando Norris Faces Trial by Fire

Norris might be down, but he surely isn’t out! After struggling with his team since 2019, for the first time, he has the confidence and the car to fight for poles and wins.

In fact, experts believe the Brit will be responsible for McLaren’s resurgence.

Lando Norris is tasked with bringing the glory days back to McLaren

McLaren is one of the oldest teams on the grid. The Woking outfit was a force to be reckoned with until 2008. However, since then, the team has succumbed to the ever-changing nature of Formula 1.

In 2023, McLaren saw a ray of hope with their mid-season upgrades and is back to fighting the front runners. After the complete turnaround, the team and the drivers have enjoyed some incredible results already. But they have fallen short of their goal of winning Grands Prix. However, David Coulthard believes it’s a matter of when and not if, with Norris at the helm.

Speaking on the Formula for Success podcasts, Coulthard said, “I think actually McLaren has turned the corner. I think they’re coming good again. Yes, he did commit a multi-year contract to them. He would be an asset for any Formula 1 team. So I’m sure, all of the other top teams are well aware of what his contractual terms are. But if they keep going the way they’re going right now, then I see Lando winning Grands Prix at McLaren.”

WATCH THIS STORY: How Lando Norris Had a Chance to Go to Red Bull But Instead Chose McLaren

Coulthard’s words are highly motivating and there is surely some truth to it. The Brit is yet to win a race, but if he keeps performing at this level with McLaren’s current developmental path, there will surely come a race when he stands on the top step of the podium.