How Norris can elevate his ENTIRE career at Silverstone in British GP

Within the Formula 1 world, everyone knows who Lando Norris is. A hard-working, highly talented driver who isn’t afraid to have a laugh and display personality every now and then. He’s also one of the most publicly self-critical drivers on the current grid. But how is that outside the Formula 1 world? 

8.7 million followers on Instagram prove he’s certainly no stranger. But it’s just a drop in the ocean compared to Hamilton’s 37 million followers. In the United Kingdom, everyone knows Hamilton. Even those who do not follow Formula 1. Norris is not in that bracket just yet.

The backdrop to Silverstone

Max Verstappen dominated Formula 1 in 2023. But that era has now come to a close, though the Dutchman continues to win races. It is no longer comfortable. Red Bull have to maximise absolutely everything, and Verstappen has to work very hard. The days of power slides in the final corner and relaxed radio messages are out of the window for now. 

The British fans do not like it when there is dominance. Although not universal, even Hamilton’s era of dominance grew tiresome to a lot of the fans in the United Kingdom. British fans love an underdog story. 

Norris isn’t necessarily the definition of an underdog currently, but if you zoom out and look at the broader timeline, you can certainly argue there’s an element of underdog vibes. Combine that with the will to see Verstappen beaten following his dominance and the 2021 hangover, then Norris has the perfect set of ingredients to be the hero of the day at Silverstone.

Another key ingredient: revenge. Norris engaged in a multi-lap duel with Verstappen, feeling the Red Bull driver was moving under braking. Eventually, the two drivers touched, and the stewards deemed Verstappen at fault for the incident. To make matters worse for Norris fans, the Brit was unable to continue while Verstappen finished 5th and extended his World Championship lead.

McLaren and Norris feel hard done by. That much was obvious in the immediate aftermath of the Austrian Grand Prix when Norris appeared downbeat in front of the camera, and Andrea Stella dishing out some strong words towards the FIA and the decisions made. 

What next for Lando Norris?

The modern world often talks about finishing stories. It seems to be a bit of a buzzphrase right now. But a successful visit to Silverstone wouldn’t be that for Norris. It would be the start of a brand new book, set to elevate him to different levels. Hamilton and George Russell will feel the support as always, but Norris will take the lion’s share. With success in his own country and the eyes of a nation watching, it could elevate him to that next bracket.