Lando Norris claims he ‘needs to earn’ lead driver status at McLaren following Budapest drama 

Lando Norris has been driving for McLaren since 2019.

Lando Norris claims he ‘needs to earn’ lead driver status at McLaren following Budapest drama 

Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

McLaren driver Lando Norris crossed the checkered flag during the Hungarian Grand Prix amidst much controversy. The 24-year-old was forced to swap his lead with teammate Oscar Piastri, who claimed the maiden victory of his F1 career.

Lando Norris has been in fine form this season, scoring 189 points in 13 races. However, the British driver has missed out on probable wins due to poor decisions and faulty strategies.

Norris has since rubbished any possible bias towards himself in terms of being the number one driver on the McLaren F1 team. Norris has stressed the need to perform well and deliver results regardless of any preference or agenda.

No, I still need to earn it. I still need to go out there and drive quicker than everyone, I don't think it changes anything, and I don't know why all of a sudden you'd have a bias over one [driver]. We've never had a bias in the team, even though it might have looked like it from the outside. 
Lando Norris told the media including RacingNews365

McLaren is one of the fastest teams on the grid this season and will be keen on accentuating their title hopes this weekend. Norris will start the Belgian Grand Prix on a fresh note, looking to secure nothing but a win around the 7.004-kilometer-long circuit.

Oscar Piastri grateful for having ‘coolest job in the world’ post win at Budapest

Oscar Piastri is now a race winner in all three formats, F1, F2, and F3 after his triumph in Budapest last week. The 23-year-old looks back on his magical journey leading up to attaining the top spot in the world of motorsport.

Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri (via IMAGO)

I definitely recognise how lucky and how fortunate I am to have made this work, because there are hundreds, if not thousands, that try and it doesn’t work out. And there are tens of thousands probably that don’t even really have the opportunity to try. So, I do definitely still pinch myself about how cool this is. At times it can be intense, but I do get to do the coolest job in the world.

Oscar Piastri via Autosport

Piastri made his F1 debut last year and has shown great promise for McLaren in a short span of time. The Australian driver has surpassed his tally from the previous season, amassing three podiums and a win in just 13 races this campaign.

The 23-year-old has shown gratefulness for the opportunities and chances given to him in F1. He will now aim to perform in a similar manner from here on, with hopes of achieving bigger feats in his career. Quite a few eyes will be glued on Piastri at the Spa-Francorchamps racing circuit.

In case you missed it: