Lando Norris’ previous comments downplaying countryman Lewis Hamilton’s Formula One achievements have come back to haunt the British driver.
The Mercedes man earned his record-extending 105th Formula One victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, albeit under controversial circumstances.
Hamilton had finished second behind team-mate George Russell, only for the latter to be disqualified for having an ‘underweight’ vehicle.
As a result, Hamilton was bumped up to first – his second victory of the 2024 season.
By contrast, McLaren star Norris – with one of the strongest cars on the grid – has just one win to his name this year, with unearthed comments about Hamilton having come back to haunt him.
Speaking back in 2020 after Hamilton won the Portuguese GP, Norris said: “I’m just happy for him, nothing more. It doesn’t mean anything to me, really.
“He’s in a car that should win every race, basically. He has to beat one or two other drivers, that’s it.”
Plenty has changed since then, with McLaren establishing themselves as a formidable force on the grid and arguably stronger than Mercedes, after developing a solid car capable of challenging for race wins.
It’s something Norris has recognised, but the Bristol-born star believes his own performances have let him down.
Norris told Sky Sports during Formula One’s summer break: “Reviewing our season so far, it’s been incredible. But from my side, it hasn’t been good enough.
“I’ll do what I can, today, tomorrow… it’s a time when I can review and reflect on my good things, and also the things I need to and have to improve if I want to be a contender.
“Because at the minute, I don’t have what it takes because I’ve clearly made too many mistakes.”
Formula One fans were quick to pick up on this admission from Norris, with some harking back to the comments he made about Hamilton having a car that ‘should win every race.’
Weighing in with their opinion, @Tom_Speight98 posted on X: “Not so easy after all is it?”
With @AfKilo adding: “Not as easy as he [Norris] thought and he’s not even the best driver in his own team.”
While @AlexOliver91 added: “He thought just having the best car is all you need. Now on average he probably does, he’s probably making more mistakes than he did when he had the 4th or 5th best car.”
Norris will have plenty of time to reflect on his shortcomings so far this season, with the next race not until the end of the month in the Netherlands.
