Lando Norris Seeks Preferential Treatment from McLaren to Close World Championship Gap

Lando Norris, driving for the resurgent McLaren team, is pushing for preferential treatment to help him close the 76-point championship gap to Max Verstappen at the Belgian Grand Prix. With his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri being in a strong position to challenge Verstappen, Norris believes that the team should consider making him their undisputed number one to deliver the British team's first world title in 16 years. Norris's strong showing in practice, finishing fastest, comes on the heels of McLaren's impressive one-two finish in Hungary, where Piastri won his first Grand Prix.

Key Takeaways:

• Norris believes McLaren should consider making him their undisputed number one to help him close the championship gap to Verstappen.
• Norris is 40 points ahead of Piastri in the standings, with Piastri starting just 35 races and being 116 points behind Verstappen.
• Norris admits that preferential treatment may become a factor if the team's impressive form continues, but notes that it is not his decision to make.
• Norris has three poles in his career, but has failed to convert any of them into a win, with some suggesting that the pressure of being a frontrunner is taking its toll on the 26-year-old driver.
• Former McLaren driver Lewis Hamilton has drawn support for Norris, saying that drivers need to put pressure on themselves to achieve greatness.

Statistics:

• Norris has a 76-point championship deficit to Verstappen going into the Belgian Grand Prix.
• Norris finished fastest in practice, 0.215 seconds ahead of Verstappen.
• McLaren's impressive one-two finish in Hungary was their first in nearly three years.
• Norris has scored 40 points more than Piastri in the standings.
• Piastri is 116 points behind Verstappen, who has started the season strongly with four wins.

Sources:

• Philip Duncan, PA
• Tim Herbert, Lando Norris' statement from the Belgian Grand Prix