Norris: 'Some work to do mentally' after Wembley mugging

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Lando Norris says he's feeling better in the wake of his mugging at Wembley last Sunday, but admits he still has "some work to do mentally" ahead of this weekend's British Grand Prix.

The McLaren driver found himself in the middle of the chaos that surrounded Wembley Stadium after England's defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. As he was making his way to his car, the 21-year-old was violently mugged of his valuable Richard Mille special watch.

Four days later, Norris was on the mend but admitted to still feeling "bit sore".

"I mean, I’m fine. I’ve been better, I can say that," he told Sky Sports.

"I’m not in perfect condition, I’m not going to lie, so yeah, some work to do mentally. Of course, I talk about that a lot, how mental health, mental strength is very important.

"I’ve not been sleeping that great and so on, so yeah, not ideal and I’m feeling a bit sore. But, I don’t know, I’m not the guy in the worst position after Wembley.

"I’ll work on it, I’ll make sure I’m feeling better and in the best shape possible, and I feel like I can still go out and focus on the job I need to do so, that’s the main thing."

McLaren will need to contend this weekend at Silverstone with the absence of team boss Zak Brown who is at home in isolation after testing positive for Covid along with two other members of the Woking-based outfit.

Read also: McLaren boss Zak Brown tests positive for Covid-19!

Norris naturally lamented the absence of McLaren's leader and his number one supporter.

"I've spoken to him yesterday and he's all good," commented Norris. "It's still around [Covid] I guess, a bit surprised really, but of course the main thing is that Zak is alright and everyone is alright.

"We'll miss him this weekend, it's always nice to have him around. It's a shame he won't be able to be with us but he's a fighter, he's a strong guy so I'm sure he'll be back soon."

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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.