“Trying a bit too hard to be Lewis”- Fans react as Lando Norris shows up to the Abu Dhabi GP dressed in a traditional Arabian thobe

Lando Norris is currently having his best season in F1 and is set to achieve his career best championship finish.

“Trying a bit too hard to be Lewis”- Fans react as Lando Norris shows up to the Abu Dhabi GP dressed in a traditional Arabian thobe

Lando Norris dressed in a thobe at the Abu Dhabi GP, with his McLaren personnel (Credits: X)

The climax is upon us with the Abu Dhabi GP fast approaching. Thursday marks the press conference day when drivers show up to the circuit often dressed in attractive outfits. This time around, McLaren’s Lando Norris is the driver who stunned the crowd with a uniquely dressed outfit, a “Thobe” in honor of the Arabian tradition. 

Following a hefty crash and a challenging Las Vegas GP, Norris is resilient and enthusiastic for the upcoming weekend, as reflected in his outfit choice. The Briton made a distinctive sartorial statement during the media day in Abu Dhabi, opting for traditional Arabic attire at the Yas Marina Circuit. The 24-year-old is currently in sixth place and locked in a tight fight with Fernando Alonso, Carlos Sainz, and Charles Leclerc for fourth in the standings.

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The “thobe,” an Arabic term for “garment,” is a traditional attire worn mainly by Muslims. With ankle-length and long sleeves, it’s associated with Arab men and Palestinian women, known as Thawb, Jubbah, Dishdasha, or Kandura. Besides cultural and religious roles, thobes offer sun protection, featuring loose, flowing designs for air circulation. Originating in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, thobes are prevalent in the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and other Middle Eastern nations, embodying diverse styles and deep cultural significance.

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On the other hand, McLaren has donned unique colors for the race. In keeping with the trend of unique and temporary liveries this season, the team has revealed a unique livery for the season finale in Abu Dhabi. The British team, vying to secure fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship, will showcase a special livery adorned with an array of refined blue shades.

Fans make funny Islamic names out of Lando Norris’ name

Lando’s outfit photos are rapidly gaining traction, shared by him and numerous accounts, causing a surge in fan engagement. His name has become a trending topic in open-wheeled racing. Fans express a diverse range of reactions, from absolute adoration to varied responses. The widespread sharing has ignited a substantial and enthusiastic response within the racing community.

Lando Norris
Lando Norris (Credits: X)

Fans showered Lando Norris with adoration for his outfit, likening him to a “Prince” while some playfully teased, suggesting a wizardry connection. Others humorously coined Islamic and Arabic names, such as “Mashallando Norris,” with a few jesting about his potential attendance at Friday prayers post-free practices.

Some fans escalated beyond admiration to taunt the Briton, suggesting he was attempting to emulate seven-time champ Lewis Hamilton. They argued Norris could never match Hamilton’s reputation for stylish outfits. A few found it distasteful, with one fan alleging Norris was merely seeking attention, pushing the criticism to an extreme.

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