Lando Norris embraces Red Bull’s dominance, admits it is an inherent part of Formula 1’s history

Norris recognizes Red Bull's exceptional performance, setting them apart from other front-running teams.

McLaren driver Lando Norris (Image credit: SB nation.com)

Red Bull has been on a winning streak in the 2023 season, securing nine back-to-back victories. Max Verstappen added to their success by winning his fifth consecutive race at the Austrian Grand Prix. Since his championship-winning season in 2021, Verstappen has won an impressive 32 out of the last 53 races. However, Lando Norris claims that the dominance of a single team is not a new phenomenon in F1.

In an interview with SPORTbible, Lando Norris discussed the state of Formula 1, highlighting the recurring theme of team dominance. Norris acknowledged Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s current dominance but emphasized that it has been common for one team to dominate over the years. He also believes that McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes have all had their turns, and now it is Red Bull’s time in the spotlight.

“I get you have Red Bull and you have Max dominating. But it’s kind of almost always been one team that dominates it in a way,” he explained. “It used to be McLaren for a bit, then it was Ferrari for a bit, then it was I was obviously Mercedes. And now it’s Red Bull,” Lando Norris said.

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Lando Norris claims that races can be thrilling beyond the leading positions

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen (Image credit: Racing news365)

Lando Norris is considered a promising young British driver with the potential to become a future World Champion. Although, he has faced challenges in showcasing his capabilities due to McLaren’s ongoing struggles. This season has been no exception, with the team accumulating only 17 points in the initial eight races. However, according to the Brit, exciting midfield battles show good racing isn’t limited to the frontrunners.

In the same interview, Norris stated that over the past five years, the midfield races have consistently provided excitement. He also said that if those battles were for the race win, he believed it would be incredible, with different winners each weekend.

Max Verstappen on Lando Norris:

“[…] If Lando would be in a race-winning car, he would regularly win races – it’s as simple as that.

“But sometimes you have to stick to the process, you believe in the process. Again people can say, ‘Yeah, we believe in it’ – but you really… pic.twitter.com/Ki81OPBpeD
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) July 7, 2023

However, he noted that the higher the grid, the more concerning it becomes. The McLaren driver acknowledged that racing is still competitive, particularly between teams like Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin, but recognized that Red Bull is currently outperforming everyone else.

“I mean, it’s from my side even the last five years. The races in the midfield have always been exciting. If that was for a race win, I think it’d be mega. Like the race would be different winners every weekend. It’s generally good racing it’s mainly just Red Bull, who are doing a very good job,” Norris said.