Brown commends Norris on 'doing a great job' as team leader

Leading McLaren at just 23 is no small task for Lando Norris, but Zak Brown says the young Briton is acquitting himself well as the team's leader.

Norris' started his tenure in F1 with McLaren in 2019 alongside fellow hopeful Carlos Sainz. In 2021, the Briton was paired with Daniel Ricciardo, with pundits predicting that the young gun would struggle at the hands of the Australian.

But Norris quickly put the paddock's crystal gazing to rest as he showcased not only his remarkable talent but also an amazing level of maturity and determination.

McLaren's decision last year to part ways with Ricciardo and to enroll 22-year-old rookie Oscar Piastri has elevated Norris to team leader, a position he is assuming in a period of underperformance for team papaya.

But Brown continues to be impressed with Norris' contributions as his team's number one driver.

"It's the first time, he said, he's ever been the oldest guy in the racing team, and I think it's a great blend of youth and experience," Brown told Sky Sports F1.

"He's doing a great job. The team love working with him. He's been here for a long time, even well before he was in a Formula 1 car."

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Norris joined McLaren's junior programme in 2017 after a successful career in karting and just three formative years in car racing.

"I remember the first time I brought him into McLaren. I introduced him to Ron Dennis and [said], 'This guy should be in a McLaren', before I joined McLaren," added Brown. "So it feels like family to him."

In March, McLaren announced a significant restructuring of its engineering department, a move intended to bring the team’s technical prowess in line with its sporting ambitions.

The Woking-based outfit will also benefit in the coming months from its new wind-tunnel coming on line.
Norris has been supportive of the wholesale changes initiated by Brown and F1 team boss Andrea Stella.

And while he is perhaps envious of the success of several of his winning young peers such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc or George Russell, Norris is keeping his full faith in McLaren.

"Of course, he has days where he's frustrated, just like any of us do when things aren't going our way," commented Brown.

"But he's in it for the long haul and he knows what's coming and the people that are coming, so he's doing a great job leading the team."

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