Ex-F1 driver urges Lando Norris to ‘sort out his starts’ to really challenge for the world championship

British motorsport commentator Jolyon Palmer has backed McLaren’s Lando Norris to become an active contender for the title this season. Norris was hugely impressive during the Dutch GP, winning the race by a mammoth margin of 22 seconds.

Lando Norris has been a consistent figure around the top spots at the pinnacle of motorsport this campaign. However, the 24-year-old has been far from clinical, losing the lead out of turn one in all of his three pole positions this campaign.

Palmer has sternly advised Norris to be vigilant and clinical in his race starts. Palmer praised the Brit’s capability to perform at the top level while fighting for the ultimate crown in 2024.

He’s been harsh on himself this year but he’s generally driving at an impeccably high level, as we saw this weekend. He’s on the verge of getting himself into a championship challenge for the first time in F1 and I feel that whether or not this becomes a genuine drivers’ title battle could depend on him sorting out his starts.

Jolyon Palmer wrote in his column for F1

Norris’ efforts have helped McLaren to be within 30 points of the leaders, Red Bull, in the constructors’ championship. He will now look to tackle the only remaining chink in his armor ahead of an exciting race at Monza this week.

Christian Horner aims subtle dig toward Lando Norris

McLaren’s MCL38 has been one of the fastest cars, outpacing the likes of Red Bull, Mercedes, and Ferrari this season. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has since praised the Woking-based team while cheekily criticizing Lando Norris.

I mean, you know, it’s remarkable that that’s only Lando’s second win in that car. But, he’s driving well, he’s finding confidence, and you know the pressure is on us to respond.

Christian Horner told PlanetF1.com

Christian Horner shed light on Norris’ failure in notching more wins despite having the fastest car on the grid. The 24-year-old has lost out to Red Bull and Mercedes on multiple occasions despite leading for a considerable amount of laps.

Norris stands second in the drivers’ championship, trailing Max Verstappen by a staggering 70 points. Going forward, the Brit will have to consistently win races and score maximum points if he wishes to secure his first-ever F1 title.

In case you missed it:

• Oscar Piastri affirms McLaren ‘ready’ to repeat dominant weekend at Italian GP
• Sergio Perez admits Red Bull taking lessons to Italian GP after disappointing weekend in Zandvoort

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