At the top of the Formula 1 drivers’ world championship for the first time, Lando Norris showcased the kind of mentality that could keep him there.
The McLaren driver lived up to expectations in the Australia season opener, converting pole position to a win in testing conditions that saw multiple crashes and rain affected drama.
The Brit held off four-time champion Max Verstappen who spent the final laps under a second behind on his rear wing, showing that this season won’t be easy.
Nevertheless, the post-race press conference instantly turned to his status as title favourite, and Norris showed the kind of champion mentality by dropping bombs at the men next to him.
Flanked by Verstappen and third-placed Mercedes driver George Russell, he made sure to point out mistakes by their teams in selecting rookies to partner their podium sitters.
“We’re the favourites, we are the team to best, mainly because we have two drivers up there pushing each other,” the 25-year-old said in a nod to teammate Oscar Piastri.
“Do I think me and Oscar working together yesterday in terms of pushing each other allowed us to get one-and-a-half, one tenth more than the two drivers here because their teammates aren’t as equipped and experienced? Yes.”
The comments were referring to Russell’s Mercedes colleague Kimi Antonelli who impressed to finish fourth in his debut Grand Prix, but is incredibly green at the age of 18.
But it was certainly one that would have hit home for Red Bull’s bosses.
They fielded Liam Lawson for the first time alongside Verstappen and the New Zealander had a weekend from hell – eventually crashing to retire in 15th after qualifying in 18th.
Red Bull have had a nightmare since 2017 trying to find a driver who can compete with Verstappen.
A problem that’s now in full focus for team principal Christian Horner and head of driver development Helmut Marko.
In fact, Horner was asked about McLaren’s talent pool during the new series of Drive to Survive.
And he delivered a brutal snub of Norris when asked who he’d sign, simply saying: “Oscar,” to the surprise of those watching.
Norris wasn’t finished settling scores, though, also taking a shot at his countryman and long-time friend Russell in the same answer.
“I know George made some comments earlier in the week that they can just turn their focus to 2026,” Norris began.
“If that’s their mentality then wonderful, because that’s not the mentality to have, sorry mate.”
He added: “We have a lot of work to do on this year’s car still and I think if you relax in that position you fail.
“If in Formula 1 you start thinking things are good and groovy, that’s when you start getting caught.”
