Red Bull Insider Shockingly Backs Lando Norris to Destroy Verstappen’s Dream Of Beating Vettel’s Record

When the lights go out for the Italian Grand Prix this Sunday, the eyes of the F1 world will be fixed on Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. With 11 Grand Prix victories this season and nine consecutive wins under his belt, the Dutch sensation stands on the cusp of rewriting history. The challenge? Topple Sebastian Vettel‘s record for the most consecutive race wins. Most pundits and insiders believe Verstappen has this one in the bag. Red Bull’s former racing star, David Coulthard, however, has added an unexpected twist to the narrative. While firmly believing in Verstappen’s prowess, Coulthard hasn’t overlooked another potential game-changer on the grid: McLaren’s Lando Norris.

For fans who’ve been engrossed by Verstappen’s dominant display, Norris’ rise might’ve flown under the radar. Yet Coulthard, a seasoned observer of the sport, quickly pointed to the young McLaren driver when asked about standout performances this season.

“He [Lando] is on the cusp of getting his first Grand Prix victory, I’m so impressed with his speed, his professionalism, and also his communication skills,” he said, highlighting Norris’s imminent maiden Grand Prix victory in a tweet by @TheMcLarenZone. In an interview on the On Track GP podcast, Coulthard expressed his belief in Verstappen’s immense potential to achieve great things. However, he also pointed out the unpredictability of racing. The former Red Bull driver feels that if Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, doesn’t regain his form, then Verstappen’s main challenge might surprisingly come from Lando Norris. Coulthard highlighted that what makes Norris stand out is not only his exceptional speed but also his outstanding professionalism and his ability to connect with people.

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But behind the fiery competitions and record-breaking speeds, the human aspect of Formula 1 often gets overshadowed. While Verstappen chases the record books and Norris gears up to challenge him, there’s a story off the track that many might not know. Lando Norris’ recent revelations shed light on the challenges he faces due to the recent changes in F1 cars, bringing the focus back on the physical and emotional toll these racers experience.

Formula 1’s Technical Shifts: Lando Norris Voices Concerns Over Drivers’ Physical Well-being

Norris recently shed light on this pressing issue, revealing that the changes made to the cars in recent times have exacerbated his severe back pain. Norris’s account is an eye-opener. As an elite driver, the assumption might be that he would find his comfort zone both on and off the track. Yet, recent developments in the sport have necessitated a drastic shift in his daily routine. Norris confessed that, up until last year, he had the luxury of minimal physiotherapy sessions. Today, however, such treatments have become indispensable for him, underlining a pressing concern that may impact many drivers.

But what precisely has changed? The 2022 season introduced new technical rules, resulting in teams creating cars with much stiffer springs than before. These modifications, while crucial for performance, have inadvertently intensified the strain on drivers’ backs. Norris’s revelation of resorting to new physiotherapy routines, custom-made seats, and even sacrificing his cherished golf rounds, are testimonies to the compromises racers make for the love of the sport.

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As per racefans.net, Norris highlighted the intensity of his struggle, saying, “Every day I was struggling, struggling with sleep and everything just in constant pain.” Thankfully, with the changes he and his team have made, the situation has seen improvement. But at what cost? Beyond the track, daily activities like track walks, cycling, and running, which most would consider normal, are now challenges. It’s essential to emphasize that Norris is not an isolated case. Lewis Hamilton, another F1 titan, faced similar issues last year in Azerbaijan. This shared experience among drivers underlines a broader concern: the implications of evolving technical rules on their physical health. The real takeaway from Norris’s ordeal is the wake-up call it serves to the F1 fraternity. While evolution in technology and regulations are the lifelines of this sport, they must not compromise the health and well-being of its principal actors—the drivers.