Former world champion heaps praise on McLaren
F1 News
- Toby McLuskie
It is raining compliments on McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. After strong performances in the Great Britain and Hungary GPs, the duo received praise from many quarters. Former world champion Nico Rosberg also appreciates the McLaren drivers' performance and shares mostly compliments in a Sky Sports podcast.
Nico Rosberg took the first interview with Lando Norris immediately after the Hungary GP. When the British driver got in front of the microphone, loud cheers erupted from the stands. Rosberg is impressed by the impact Norris is already having so early in his career:"The cheer from the crowd when Lando was coming up to talk was just massive. He has so much support, it's really amazing to see". However, the German also recognises that such an impact can be beneficial for any driver and admits that all this attention can sometimes be overwhelming for young drivers. "There's people under your hotel, you can't go out anymore, even at your home. It's really going quite extreme. So, I hope Lando manages to cope with all that attention."
Rosberg is also delighted with rookie Oscar Piastri. He sees the young Australian performing strongly in his debut season. "It's a crucial phase and opportunity for a rookie. Piastri now suddenly has that good car and now he has these couple of races where it's his moment where he needs to put a marker down as a rookie that 'I'm here to stay'." Piastri is still waiting for his first podium in Formula 1. In the past two races, the rookie had the chance to try for a podium, but had to settle for a position in the top five twice.