McLaren Boss Defends Norris, Calls Him World Champion Material

McLaren boss Andrea Stella responded to Lando Norris's self-criticism, emphasizing that Norris has the potential to be a Formula One world champion. Stella cited team mistakes as partial blame for Norris's performance and stressed that the 24-year-old Briton is performing at a world championship level.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella has spoken out to defend Lando Norris, asserting that the 24-year-old Briton has the makings of a Formula One world champion. Stella's comments followed Norris's self-criticism at the Dutch Grand Prix, where the driver admitted he felt he was not performing at a champion's level.

Despite being 78 points behind Red Bull's triple world champion Max Verstappen, Stella emphasized that Norris is measuring himself against perfection. 'In reality, I think he definitely has the potential of a world champion and he's performing at world championship level,' said Stella, who has previously worked with legends like Michael Schumacher and Fernando Alonso.

Stella also acknowledged that some of Norris's perceived mistakes were due to team shortcomings, particularly in races like Canada and Silverstone. 'If the team had operated at higher standards, then Lando would have more points in the championship,' declared Stella. As McLaren sits 42 points behind Red Bull in the constructors' standings, Stella urged Norris to remain confident and continue striving for improvement.