Lando Norris gets the fans' vote as 'Rookie of the Year'

Formula 1 fans recognize an outstanding young talent when they see one, having designated McLaren's Lando Norris as Grand Prix racing's 'Rookie of the Year'.

Formula 1 incited fans to cast their vote for the best apprentice in the sport in 2019 with an amusing series of videos in which Norris and fellow rookies George Russell and Alex Albon each vaunted their qualities.

Norris suffered from low confidence level in early F1 races

But Norris led the tally by a comfortable 76% margin, helped no doubt by his impressive performance out on the track but also by his off-track antics, as depicted by his frequent and hilarious memes on social media.

"I think he is a breath of fresh air and really honest with himself," said McLaren boss Zak Brown, who also underlines his driver's maturity.

©McLaren

"I think even at times, with a session or a lap he is more critical than we are, and that means he constantly wants to improve.

"You can imagine that some nineteen-year-olds might not have that discipline, but he looks in the mirror he could think he might just be a nineteen-year-old superstar coming up in Formula 1, but he is quite grounded."

Norris' rookie campaign delivered 49 points to McLaren, with a pair of P6 finishes - in Bahrain and in Austria - representing his best results.

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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.