Norris under fire: "That's how you never become world champion"

At the first round of pitstops, Mercedes managed to close the gap between George Russell and Norris, with the driver of the #63 car successfully gaining the position on the McLaren driver after a tight tustle between the two.

"Russell went in just a little earlier. It was a nice moment, when Russell immediately passed Norris on the outside. I thought that was a super action," says Van der Garde to Viaplay. 

"Norris was really asleep there, by the way. You know it’s going to be a fight, so you have to make yourself wide and push him out. Nothing happened."

Norris regained his second place a lap later and behind eventual winner Oscar Piastri but initially falling behind his fellow Briton was unacceptable, according to the Dutchman. "Norris came back well, when his tyres were up to temperature, but that first action should never have happened. Russell passed Norris on the outside."

Drive like that and you'll never be world champion

Since the 2024 season ended, Norris has repeatedly stated his goal for the 2025 campaign is nothing short of the drivers' title. Pointing to Norris' failure to keep Russell behind, Van der Garde: "That's how you never become World Champion."

"If you keep driving like this, and let things like this happen, you won’t take that title. You have to use every millimetre in a fight," advised the Dutchman who still sees that "Norris is still a bit anxious."

In Australia a late off in treacherous conditions by the McLaren driver allowed rival Max Verstappen to get within DRS range and make a late charge for the win. "

We can also remember that Norris got all nervous in the last laps [in Australia], because he had Max behind him," added Van der Garde. "Come on, man! You know you have a good car and that you are good. Just go for it and make sure you’re there."