Thursday 13 March 2025

Norris replied, “I am pretty sad actually.”

This raised many laughs amongst in the media room.

He continued, “Listen, I’m the kind of guy that likes to say, yes it’s bitter sweet, ‘cause I’m the kind of guy that doesn’t want to upset people. But it’s also my job, and it’s also what I get paid to do, so it’s what’s in my contract, and I have to go out and drive as quick as I can.”

The Brit drove the wheels off the McLaren to grab all the headlines, yet his modesty and humour shone through. 

“It’s a difficult one because every country backs their drivers a lot. You know it’s the same as Max in Zandvoort… and Spa [laughter from the room]… and Austria and all of those ones [more laughter].

“But it’s the same for me wanting to go and do well in my own race at Silverstone… and Belgium, actually I’ll claim that one [laughter again], and therefore kind of the Netherlands too!”

Maintaining a light-hearted yet sincere answer, Norris continued:

“At the end of the day my job is to go and and drive the car the quickest as I can. And if it’s pole then it’s pole and I’m happy that I’ve done my job… but you know, I do want to make it out of Australia!”

McLaren have always been a heavily supported team down under. Bruce McLaren of course hailed from neighbouring New Zealand. And Norris has had more than one team mate from Australia.

“I mean the fans have always been very supportive of me too. I’ve had an Australian team mate for quite a while now.

“I kind of get used to it, they do cheer me on as well. I know they cheer Oscar on a lot more - that’s expected and I appreciate the support that I do get.” 

L.A.Wilshaw