Lando Norris refused to buy into claims the F1 title is a “two horse race”, calling a reporter “silly” for suggesting he and teammate Oscar Piastri are the only realistic contenders.
The British driver rejected the notion he has changed his approach after winning in Monaco with the title lead in sight.
He is now within three points of Australian Piastri, yet he seemed a bit fatigued by the line of questioning when speaking to reporters at the Circuit de Catalunya ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.
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When asked if he had thought about capturing the lead ahead of the race in Spain, Norris said: “It’s not something I look at.
“I think you ask me this question every week, and it’s the same answer.
“Like I say always, it’s a great feeling to be in the lead of the championship and to have more points than everyone, but again it’s not something I look at.
“It’s not something that changes anything I do day to day.
“It doesn’t change how hard I work or what I try to achieve. I’ll just try and win this weekend and I’ll try and win in Montreal and then I’ll try and win in Austria.
“It’s got nothing to do with what position I am.”
Some in the F1 world suggested Norris was a bit snappy because of the introduction of strict tests of front wing flexibility for all cars – a feature that has seemed to favour McLaren.
Norris celebrates on the podium with Zak Brown, McLaren chief, and Oscar Piastri. AP
However, he doubled down when asked if the title race was McLaren’s to lose.
“Mathematically, the whole grid can still win the championship at the minute,” he replied.
“So if you think it’s just out of me in Oscar, then I think you’re a bit silly.”
He added: “I think there are plenty of opportunities,” he said.
“Max can still win. Ferrari, I expect them to get better through the season. But, come on, we’re racing Max every weekend. He’s been on the podium several times.
“He’s won races, he beat us in Imola fair and square because he was quicker. So, I don’t know what possibly makes you think that it’s only out of me and Oscar.”
