Robert Doornbos, a former Formula 1 driver, has expressed doubts about Lando Norris’s potential to become a champion, contrasting him with the emerging talent Oscar Piastri. The Dutch ex-racer, known for his stints with Red Bull and Minardi, pointed to a recent incident during the Canadian Grand Prix where Norris’s collision with Piastri resulted in his own early exit from the race. Currently, Piastri leads Norris by 22 points in the championship standings, prompting Doornbos to question Norris’s ability to reach the highest level in F1.
Expert Opinion: Norris Missing the “Magical Touch” of Champions
On The Pit Talk Podcast, Doornbos described Norris as lacking the special quality that differentiates a world-class champion. He said,
“That he’s not [on] the level of Oscar. I think Oscar really is a world championship driver, with many titles in the near future.”
This sentiment reflects Doornbos’s view that Piastri possesses the traits necessary for sustained success, which Norris has yet to demonstrate consistently during critical moments.
Comparing Norris and Piastri Through the Lens of F1 Legends
Drawing from his personal experience competing alongside notable drivers, Doornbos made comparisons between Norris, Piastri, and past Red Bull teammates like David Coulthard, Mark Webber, and Sebastian Vettel. Highlighting Vettel’s standout talent, Doornbos remarked,
“Great drivers, but then there’s Sebastian Vettel, who’s always two or three turns faster, and if you add that up during a grand prix… And the way he drives, the way he defends, Oscar – it’s different [to Norris].”
This underscores the perceived gap in racecraft and race management between Norris and his rival Piastri.
Growing Rivalry and Its Implications for Future Seasons
Doornbos’s critical evaluation has stirred conversations among Formula 1 fans and commentators, who are increasingly watching the Norris-Piastri rivalry with anticipation. The question remains whether Norris will evolve to meet the expectations of a championship contender or if Piastri will continue his ascent to the sport’s elite echelon. As the season progresses, upcoming races will be crucial for Norris to demonstrate the champion qualities that Doornbos and others believe he currently lacks.