Lando Norris on F1 Title Rivalry: ‘In 200 Years, We’ll All Be Dead’
Lando Norris Downplays F1 Title Duel, Focuses on Perspective
Lando Norris has dismissed the importance of Formula 1 accolades in the grand scope of life, downplaying the intensity of his title duel with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri by saying, “In 200 years, no one is going to care. We’ll all be dead.”
Heading into the final round before Formula 1’s three-week summer hiatus, Norris trails Piastri by 16 points in the championship standings. The title battle has intensified after a momentum shift in Piastri’s favor at last weekend’s rain-soaked Belgian Grand Prix. Despite starting from pole position, Norris was overtaken early in treacherous conditions and ultimately saw his teammate capitalize.
The pair’s rivalry has emerged as the focal point of the 2023 season, with Norris defending his position against Piastri, who has claimed six victories compared to Norris’ four. When asked about adopting psychological tactics to unnerve the Australian, Norris made it clear he is unwilling to cross that line.
“I don’t enjoy that,” Norris stated. “I am trying to have a good time. I still care about [the championship], and that’s why I get upset sometimes, get disappointed, and get angry at myself. That shows how much I care about winning and losing. But that doesn’t mean I need to take it out on Oscar. I just don’t get into those kinds of things.”
While Formula 1 has a history of intra-team rivalries spiraling into high-profile conflict, the British driver emphasized his commitment to maintaining professionalism. “Yes, [Oscar] is the guy I want to beat more than anyone else. But if I don’t beat him, then that’s just because he has done a better job. I will do it the way I believe is best for me. Just because one person did it a few years ago doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. I don’t really care about those things.”
Norris Impresses in Friday Practice at Hungaroring
Norris delivered an outstanding performance in Friday’s practice sessions at the Hungaroring, beating Piastri by 0.019 seconds in the first session before widening the gap to nearly three-tenths later in the day. The Englishman’s consistent dominance in Hungary — never being out-qualified by a teammate in six previous visits — gives him confidence going into Saturday’s qualifying rounds.
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton continues to navigate challenges at Ferrari. The seven-time world champion has enjoyed unparalleled success in Hungary, claiming eight wins and nine pole positions throughout his career. However, his struggle to adapt to Ferrari machinery showed once again on Friday, as Hamilton finished sixth — three places behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton was visibly frustrated, offering a candid take on his car’s performance in FP1, stating, “It doesn’t feel good,” and locking up massively at Turn 1 during the session.
Verstappen Struggles Compound Speculation at Red Bull
Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, had a day to forget at Red Bull, finishing 14th in Friday’s practice and trailing Norris by 1.1 seconds. Speaking over team radio, Verstappen left little room for ambiguity, calling his car’s handling “undriveable” and voicing frustration with a performance far below expectations.
Meanwhile, Verstappen further underlined his commitment to Red Bull, quashing rumors of a potential departure at the end of the year. “I don’t know what is going on,” Verstappen said after his disappointing practice run, but his extended contract ensures at least another season with the team.
In a lighter moment that caught stewards’ attention, Verstappen was issued a warning after throwing a towel from his cockpit — an item accidentally left behind by the team. While harmless, Verstappen became the subject of conversation once again, though likely not in the way he would have hoped.
Electrifying Weekend Ahead
As championship momentum ebbs and flows between contenders and teams face their own battles, Formula 1 fans should brace themselves for an electrifying weekend in Hungary — one that could set the tone heading into the season’s crucial summer break.
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