Norris calm in the cockpit, nervous on the green

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McLaren’s Lando Norris swapped high-speed corners for fairway swings this week — and admitted that golf gives him the jitters far more than Formula 1 ever has.

The 24-year-old took part in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth on Wednesday, joining a star-studded line-up as he enjoyed a rare breather from his ongoing title battle.

Paired with close friend and U.S. Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick, Norris also found himself sharing the course with McLaren boss Zak Brown, who teed off in the same group as major winner Justin Rose.

©Instagram/Infournation

While Norris relished the chance to trade pit stops for putting greens, he was quick to downplay his skills.

“I don’t have high expectations in golf,” Norris told Sky Sports. “I love golf. For me to come here and see him [Matt Fitzpatrick] doing his thing. I have a lot of respect for these guys.

“Once you play golf you understand how hard it is. You have to have a lot of respect for the guys who are so good and who have won championships and things.”

This was Norris’ second appearance at the Wentworth Pro-Am, but despite having done it before, he confessed that nerves on the golf course hit differently compared to the F1 grid.

“There’s a lot of people here. I’m more nervous here than ever in my life in racing,” he laughed. “I don’t feel like I can injure people there. Here I do!”

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.