McLaren Chief Says Lando Norris is Championship Material

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has expressed confidence in Lando Norris's potential to compete for the Formula One World Championship as the season approaches its final ten races. As Norris prepares for the Dutch Grand Prix at Max Verstappen's home circuit, he stands as the only viable challenger to Verstappen's title reign. Despite finishing just behind Verstappen in their last race, Norris's performance has been commendable, showcasing his capabilities as a top-tier driver. Stella, who has previously worked with legendary drivers like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso, emphasized that Norris is performing at a championship level. He acknowledged that while Norris sometimes places pressure on himself, the team must also take responsibility for their performance. Stella believes that if McLaren had operated at a higher standard, Norris would have accumulated more points in the championship standings. In preparation for the Zandvoort race, McLaren has introduced their most significant upgrade package since the Miami Grand Prix, where Norris secured his first victory. During practice sessions, Norris demonstrated his speed, finishing fastest in the initial session and third overall later in the day. Stella reiterated his belief in Norris's championship potential, stating, “Lando can win world championships,” while recognizing the challenges posed by Verstappen. When asked about his future in the sport, Stella hinted at a desire for change, indicating he does not foresee himself continuing for another 200 races, suggesting a shift may be on the horizon for the team.