Martin Brundle, the Sky Sports F1 commentator, has made a bold claim that Lando Norris is poised to clinch his first-ever Formula 1 Drivers' Championship. This assertion comes on the heels of Norris' commanding victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix, which Brundle attributes to Norris finding an 'overdrive' gear. With just four races remaining in the season, including this weekend's Sao Paulo Grand Prix, the championship is heating up.
Norris has retaken the championship lead from his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, for the first time since April. The British driver has finished ahead of Piastri in the last five races, creating a slender one-point gap between them. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, despite a recent dip in form, remains a threat, sitting 36 points behind the leader.
Brundle's comments come after Norris' impressive performance in Mexico, where he secured pole position and controlled the race from start to finish. This win was particularly notable as it ended a winless streak for Norris, who hadn't stood atop the podium since the Hungarian Grand Prix before the summer break.
But here's where it gets interesting: Brundle draws a parallel between Norris' performance and those of F1 greats. He suggests that Norris has found an extra gear, akin to what we've seen from the likes of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in their championship-winning campaigns. Brundle's exact words were, 'You often hear me talk about... that one or more of the combatants... seem to find an overdrive gear somehow. And that was Lando's overdrive.'
The 1997 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, concurred with Brundle's assessment, highlighting Norris' resilience after a disappointing Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September. Villeneuve believes Norris has turned a corner, learning from his mistakes and showing the kind of form that made him a title contender last year.
However, Norris has faced criticism for his mental fortitude in the past. Poor starts and unnecessary collisions have raised questions about his ability to handle pressure. Brundle acknowledges this but argues that Norris has made significant strides in this area, learning to compartmentalise setbacks and maintain focus. He cites Norris' response to various setbacks this season, including a collision with Piastri and engine failure, as evidence of his improved mental game.
Intriguingly, Villeneuve offers a different perspective on Norris' self-criticism, which has often been seen as a weakness. He suggests that Norris' willingness to take the blame for mistakes, even when not entirely his fault, is a sign of strength and a key factor in his improvement. This interpretation challenges the conventional view, sparking a potential debate among fans and experts.
As the F1 season reaches its climax, with the title race heading to Brazil for a Sprint weekend, the question remains: Can Lando Norris maintain this 'overdrive' and secure his maiden championship? The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion, and the world of Formula 1 eagerly awaits the outcome.
