Corinthians or Palmeiras? Lando Norris Reveals Hot Pick 1 Day Before Brazilian GP Weekend

Corinthians versus Palmeiras. Just like in Formula 1, where certain rivalries just have that extra air of anticipation around them, the soccer world has them too. The El Classico, a tussle between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The Manchester Derby—Manchester City facing off against Manchester United. Liverpool and Everton compete in the Merseyside Derby. In a country with as rich a soccer culture as any other, Brazil has the Paulista Derby, a match between the two best clubs in Sao Paulo—Corinthians and Palmeiras. And McLaren driver Lando Norris made his pick in the build-up to the Brazilian GP.

Formula 1 is no stranger to the soccer world. Remember when David Beckham came to the Qatar GP a few weeks ago and had a heart-to-heart with Lewis Hamilton? Or even when Brazilian star Neymar did a seat fit in Hamilton’s car at Monaco? While the honorary Brazilian’s (aka Hamilton) crossovers with the soccer world haven’t really compelled him to indulge in the sport otherwise, Lando Norris is different.

For Lando Norris, Brazilian soccer > English soccer

For someone who’s from the UK—where soccer is like a religion—it may be surprising that Norris prefers watching soccer in Brazil. While he was a fan of Manchester United back when Cristiano Ronaldo started his career there, the 23-year-old never really got back into supporting the Red Devils. That’s not to say that he doesn’t support the England team. He does. But even that would bring back memories he’d rather forget (his mugging after the Euro 2020 Finals between England and Italy). No wonder he likes going to games in Brazil rather than back home.

Speaking of Brazilian soccer, Norris made his pick between the two giants. Before his F1 driver duties started in Brazil, Norris was featured on a podcast. On the podcast, one of the hosts asked him, “What do you like most about Brazil?” Considering he’s been here only a few times, there aren’t many things he’s experienced. But watching a soccer match live isn’t one of them. Norris replied, “Out of the few things that I have done, which is coming here, or going to support Palmeiras, I’ve really enjoyed all my moments here.” 

The Palmeiras is definitely with whom his heart lies. This may not come as a surprise, seeing as he’s attended their matches every chance he’s gotten in the past. Back in 2021, he went to a game and the Palmeiras won 4-0. He posted a picture of himself at the stadium and wrote, “4-0 win last night. I’m number 4. It wasn’t a coincidence @palmeiras” Last year, became their lucky charm once more as he supported them and they won 2-1. Palmeiras’ next game is on qualifying Saturday, so it’s unlikely that the Brit would make another appearance. But could he stick around Wednesday to watch his club play?

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As much as everyone would like that, Norris is channeling another Brazilian legend as he gets ready for his outing at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace.

Ayrton Senna’s legacy is fueling Lando Norris for the Brazilian GP

When it comes to legacies in Formula 1, few come close to the one that Ayrton Senna left behind. The Brazilian—a three-time champion who passed away too soon—was one of the best drivers the sport has ever seen. His raw talent, speed, and confidence on track were an unmatched mixture. But it looks like Norris emulates some of Senna’s qualities. At least that’s what F1 expert Peter Windsor believes. After the British GP, Windsor said, “Lando has some magic about him that reminds me of Senna. It’s something to do with inner confidence, it’s something to do with the way he thinks about driving and racing.”

The McLaren driver would like to emulate the same qualities at the Brazilian GP. Last time out in Mexico, Norris made up 12 places in the race to finish in P5. With that confidence, heading into the Brazilian GP, Norris wants to do justice to the Brazilian fans in honor of Senna. “Brazil, let’s go! It’s the end of the triple-header and the final Sprint weekend of the season. There’s so much history and heritage at this race, particularly with McLaren and Senna,” he said.

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What do you think this week in Brazil is going to look like for Lando Norris?