Ex-F1 Champion Urges Lando Norris to ‘Grab the Bull by the Horns’ After Canadian GP Fiasco

2009 F1 champion Jenson Button reckoned that Lando Norris is in a critical stage if he wants to claim the world title this year.

Ex-F1 Champion Urges Lando Norris to ‘Grab the Bull by the Horns’ After Canadian GP Fiasco

Lando Norris (via McLaren)

Lando Norris‘ Canadian GP turned into a nightmare to forget. The British driver could’ve salvaged some crucial points if not for a late race incident with his teammate Oscar Piastri. This forced the 25-year-old to retire from the race, a devastating result for his title prospects. Now, former F1 champion Jenson Button has asserted that Norris needs to bounce back to keep his championship hopes alive.

Since the start of the season, Lando Norris has been on the backfoot against Oscar Piastri. The 25-year-old has won just two races, compared to five victories by his less experienced teammate. While Norris has seemed under pressure throughout the season so far, Piastri has remained far more composed mentally.

The Canadian GP was the perfect example of the stark difference between the two. Lando Norris cracked under pressure and crashed out of the race. On the other hand, Oscar Piastri managed to pick up the pieces and salvage a fourth place finish.

Jenson Button claimed that now was the time for Norris’ real mental test. The 25-year-old will need to prove that he is able to work his way in such situations and bounce back. Button further highlighted that now the McLaren star had no option but to grab the bull by its horns in the title fight. As even a small mistake will inevitably ruin Norris’ remaining title chances against Piastri.

This is the moment whether we see if Lando is in a good mental place and whether he will come out of the other side strong… This is a moment in time for them where they have to grab the bull by the horns because you don’t know when the next chance will come.

Jenson Button told Sky F1

Lando Norris more ‘confident’ as a driver in 2025

Lando Norris is infamous for being too self-critical in Formula 1. The British driver has continued to face scrutiny for his comments off-track. Critics believe that this might have a negative impact on Norris’ on-track results. Though, stars like Sebastian Vettel have defended the McLaren star’s open approach in the past.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via F1)
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri (via F1)

While Jenson Button understands that Norris is struggling in the title fight this season. The former champion reckoned that the 25-year-old had improved as a driver in recent years. Button claimed that Norris had become more confident in himself, which might make it easier for him to move on from the Montreal incident.

I think he has in terms of being confident in his ability and putting it all out there, so I’m excited to see him move on.

Jenson Button added

Jenson Button’s opinion on Norris’ confidence boost is likely in the minority. The McLaren star has seemed less energetic in his battle against Piastri this year, with a handful of mistakes already. Norris’ morale has continuously taken hits with every error made on-track, with the Canadian GP just being the latest example. There is a lot of work for the Briton if he wants to live up to Button’s comments in the coming weeks.

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