McLaren’s Lando Norris on British GP final lap: Don’t mess it up
Sylstone, England – While Lando Norris closed home victory at the British Grand Prix, he had a primordial thought in his head: “Do not.” Not. “
Norris beat McLaren his teammate and rival of the Oscar Piastri championship to become the 13th British driver to win the famous Silverstone race.
“Everything I have always wanted to achieve,” said Norris about victory after leaving the car. “Apart from a championship, I think it is as good as it in terms of feelings, in terms of success, to be proud – all that. You know, that’s where it all started for me, I was looking at you, watching you on television many years ago. And now, fortunately, I was able to have my choice.”
Silverstone had attended an emotional victory for Lewis Hamilton 12 months ago, but Norris said that his feelings had been “pure happiness”, even if his voice had sounded Croaky when he spoke with his McLaren team on the tour of victory.
When he was asked if he had shed a tear after winning, Norris said, “No tears! I tried, but no. I don’t know. When I become emotional, I don’t cry, I just smile. It is pure happiness. It is a pure pleasure from the moment you are.
“I would like to be able to cry because I think it looks better for the photos sometimes. But no, I smile just instead.”
Norris had taken the lead after the last standing launch of the stands, Piastri forced to serve a penalty of 10 seconds after the delegates judged that he had driven irregularly before a restart of the safety car.
Once he took the lead, Norris’ victory never seemed in doubt.
Asked what he thought in the last laps, Norris said: “I mean, your mind becomes quite empty. So, everything you might think before the race, you forget.
“But the last laps, I just looked in the crowd. I was just trying to take everything, enjoy the moment because it might never happen again. I hope it is, but these are memories that I will bring with me forever. An incredible success.”
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How Lando Norris won his first British victory GP
The figures behind the first victory of Lando Norris at the British Grand Prix.
Norris had witnessed the first record of Hamilton nine British victories of the Grand Prix in 2008 as a fan.
The names of other British world champions like Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell and Jim Clark are also on the famous BRDC trophy.
“I have joined a long list of fairly incredible winners who have won here in the past. Most of them are Lewis! But join him and, on the one hand British, continue the reign of the British here is quite incredible. And just for fans.
“The last two laps, looking at the fans and seeing them on their feet and applauding – these are moments that nobody really gets, none of you are waiting. It is something that me and very few others, especially the British, testify.
“It’s a very selfish moment, but it is one of the most special, the most incredible, because it is such a rare thing that someone feels and to see. For me, the best victory.”
The victory passes Norris to eight points of Piastri in the championship in halfway, with 12 races remaining during the season.
