Lando Norris is the real deal, says F1 legend Damon Hill
Lando Norris has what it takes to be world champion, according to former F1 champion Damon Hill, who’s thrown his full support behind the McLaren driver as the season reaches its dramatic conclusion.
“Lando is world champion material, he’s already shown that this year,” Hill told The Mirror. “There was a time when he went missing, but he’s definitely back with a vengeance now, so it’s looking good for him.”
With just three races and a sprint remaining, Norris holds a commanding 24-point lead over his teammate in the drivers’ standings.
That’s almost a full race advantage.
And he’s got all the momentum after his impressive run of results in recent weeks.
Hill, who claimed the F1 crown in 1996, didn’t hide his patriotic feelings about supporting a fellow Brit.
“From a patriotic point of view, of course we’re rooting for Lando – keep it in the family a little bit! We’ve got a great record in this country of world champions. We always seem to be able to produce a new one. If one of us withers, then there’s another one waiting.”
The racing legend also had some thoughts on Oscar Piastri‘s recent dip in form.
“His trajectory, he was getting stronger and stronger, but you can’t ignore the fact that he’s had a bit of a blip,” Hill noted.
He believes Piastri’s manager, former F1 driver Mark Webber, will play a crucial role in helping the young Australian bounce back.
“Mark is able to guide him and give him some encouragement, hopefully, on that side of things. You do need to draw on resources, as a driver. It can be quite a lonely place if you don’t have someone whose brain you can pick. You certainly can’t go around the place asking everyone, you have to have trusted advisors.”
## McLaren favoritism claims shot down by Alan Jones
Meanwhile, 1980 F1 champion Alan Jones has completely rejected rumors that McLaren might be favoring Norris over Piastri.
The Australian racing legend called these claims “the greatest load of nonsense of all time.”
According to Jones, both drivers get exactly the same equipment and treatment from the team.
He stressed that “teams don’t spend an absolute fortune travelling around the world to stymie one car or give preference to the other.”
