The start of the 2025 F1 season has been particularly challenging for Lando Norris, who has struggled to find a good feeling with his McLaren.
Despite a brilliant win in Australia, the young British talent is finding it hard to be consistent, while teammate Oscar Piastri seems to be in stellar form with four wins in the first six races.
Bringing attention back to Lando Norris’ difficult moment is former team principal Otmar Szafnauer, who offered a piece of advice that is as simple as it is meaningful: what’s needed is support and trust.
Otmar Szafnauer’s words and the comparison with Ayrton Senna
During an episode of the RacingNews365 podcast, Szafnauer emphasized the importance of psychological support for a driver like Lando Norris: “If you make one of those silly mistakes, it’s not a problem. Move on. You need to reassure him that he has the talent—because he does—and that can make the difference.”
According to the former executive, many errors come from the excessive pressure that drivers put on themselves. In this context, a team like McLaren has the duty to create an environment in which Lando Norris can feel free to drive within his own limits—limits that, according to Otmar Szafnauer, are already fast enough to win.
Szafnauer then went on to compare the Papaya driver to Ayrton Senna, one of the greatest of all time. The three-time champion was also known for his emotional side and honesty—traits Lando Norris has never tried to hide: “Being emotional and sensitive, showing your emotions, is not a disadvantage. Senna did it too, and he still won.”
In contrast to Lando Norris, the more unflappable Oscar Piastri has so far dominated the scene, but the season is long and, as Otmar Szafnauer pointed out, “one DNF is enough to change everything.”
The message is clear: McLaren must believe in Lando Norris as much as he believes in himself. Because while his talent is beyond doubt, confidence can be the difference between a missed podium and a historic victory.
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