Two-time F1 world champion Mika Hakkinen says Lando Norris is endowed with an abundance of talent and insists the young McLaren driver is on the same level as Max Verstappen.
In Bahrain, Norris embarked on his fifth season with McLaren, but it was a complicated start for the 23-year-old whose race was plagued by a pressure leak in the Mercedes engine of his MCL60.
Norris is considered as one of the sport's most gifted drivers, but so far the Briton has lacked a car worthy of his talent. Yet many believe the Briton should be fighting for the world title at this stage of his career.
"[He’s] a very quick driver, he’s achieved a lot, or rather he’s shown convincing results consistently," Hakkinen told Unibet.
"He’s super-talented, no question about it. He’s on the same level as Leclerc, Verstappen and Sainz. He’s on a very high-level speed-wise."
Norris, who is contracted to McLaren until the end of 2025, is keeping his faith in team papaya, convinced that he will reap the benefits of his patience at some point in the not too distant future.
But Hakkinen suggests that Norris' wait could prove longer than expected.
McLaren will benefit from its new wind tunnel from June of this year, but it could take another few seasons until the team transfers to the track the results produced by its new infrastructure.
"I don’t think McLaren has very high expectations this year," contended Hakkinen.
"They know their development department, and their sponsors and partners are world-class technology giants. McLaren has their support but the team knows they aren’t quite there yet. The result need a couple more years.
“They are in it for the long run and have good partners. Like I said, there might be some results this year but I think the true performance will be seen in a couple of years."
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