Lando Norris says he does not want to win the world title desperately enough to pick a fight with his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri, reasoning that in, ‘200 years no one’s going to care.’
Managing his own expectations? Downplaying pressure? A reflection of the labyrinths of his mind?
Anyway, ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the smiling Bristolian was asked if he would ratchet up the aggression in what has been an unusually harmonious relationship despite the championship contest being between them alone.
Norris, who trails Piastri by 16 points ahead of the final round before the summer break, and has admitted to self-doubts, said: ‘We’ll be dead in 200 years. I am trying to have a good time.’
Though he added: ‘I still care about it. I’m so upset sometimes and get angry at myself.
‘That shows just how much I care about winning. But it doesn’t mean I need to take it out on Oscar. I don’t get into those kinds of (intimidatory) things.
Lando Norris (right) and Oscar Piastri (left) faced the media ahead of this weekend’s race
British star Norris is 16 points behind his McLaren team-mate in the 2025 driver’s standings
Norris pictured during Friday’s practice session at the Grand Prix of Hungary in Mogyorod
‘If I don’t beat him, I don’t beat him. I will do it the way I believe is best for me. If others have done it differently, it doesn’t mean I have to do it that way.’
Norris was quickest in both practice sessions on Friday.
Nobody will remember that in 200 years, but it was a good sign for the next 48 hours. If Lando can hold his nerve.
The Hungarian Grand Prix will be LIVE on Sky Sports F1. Qualifying: 3pm on Saturday. Race: 2pm on Sunday.