Brown hits back at claims Norris is 'too nice' to become a champion

F1 News

Brown remains confident Norris can become a champion
5 July at 15:12
Last update 5 July at 15:31
  • Sophia Crothall

Lando Norris featured in a fierce battle with world champion Max Verstappen last weekend in Austria. Speaking at this weekend's British Grand Prix, McLaren CEO Zak Brown hit back at claims that Norris could miss out on becoming a champion because he is 'too nice'. 

During this afternoon's press conference, ahead of the second free practice session, Brown spoke about the incident which occured in Austria between the two drivers. It has been made clear that the pair have spoken, and although no apologies have been made, they are prepared to move on.

In the last 24 hours, Norris has changed his opinion on the incident, which led to the question as to whether he is 'too nice?'. Despite last weekend, Brown is happy with Norris' performance and attitude: "Very happy with Lando. I think there's a difference between what a racing driver is like when the helmet goes on and the visor goes down, and what they're like Monday through Thursday and how they communicate and carry themselves and the relationships that they have."

Does Norris have what it takes to become a world champion?

Ahead of the British Grand Prix this weekend, Norris sits in second behind Verstappen in the Driver's Championship. This is the first time the British driver has made it into the second position. Nevertheless, Brown remains confident that Norris has what it takes to become a champion: "I think if you look, a lot of world champions, sweethearts outside of the race car, but pretty fierce once the helmet goes on, and Lando's no different," he concluded.