World championship battle, Sainz backs Norris: “Abu Dhabi is his track. Now he’s a title contender”
The Williams driver, former teammate of Lando Norris, speaks about the progress the English driver has shown over the years.
Title within reach
On Sunday evening, Lando Norris could find himself celebrating his first career World Championship in his seventh F1 season. The Englishman has spent his entire Formula 1 journey with McLaren, and during 2019-2020 his teammate was Spaniard Carlos Sainz, with whom he formed a close partnership both on and off the track. Now, Carlos Sainz – who has become a key figure at the new Williams under James Vowles – has shared his thoughts on Norris’ title chances, noting that a podium finish will be enough for the #4 Papaya driver to clinch the championship.
Interviewed during media day in Abu Dhabi, where GP-News.net was also present, Carlos Sainz expressed confidence in Lando Norris’ ability to secure the title: “Obviously, I wish Lando the best possible outcome in this regard. I also have great respect for Max and Oscar and wish them the best as well, but I think Abu Dhabi is Lando’s circuit. I don’t want to say he’s lucky, but I think it works in his favor that the championship will be decided here. From my experience as his former teammate, Abu Dhabi is one of the tracks where he drives at his best, and the victory he took last year beating me when I was in Ferrari still stings a bit.”
Sainz’ respect for Norris
While some commentators have been critical of Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz believes the McLaren driver is fully deserving of a world title: “He is obviously a title contender. I have been teammates with Charles [Leclerc], Max [Verstappen], and Lando. I have been teammates with all the top drivers on the grid by now, and I can tell you that Lando lacks nothing in terms of speed. I think his pace is equal to anyone else and can even be faster than anyone on his best days. What he has developed most over the year is his consistency across all tracks.”
However, Carlos Sainz also cautioned his friend and colleague about the challenges of the final title fight: “He dominated last year’s race ahead of me, and I know well that this track suits Lando and McLaren, so I think he has an advantage. However, reaching the last race and having the obligation to finish on the podium is never easy, even in a McLaren. He will need a perfect weekend, but I believe that, given how he has recently performed well under pressure, he can do it.” – he pointed out.
High praise indeed from a man who knows Lando Norris better than almost anyone else on the grid – and a prediction that will delight McLaren fans heading into the decisive weekend.
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