In the aftermath of the Brazilian Grand Prix, former Formula 1 team owner Eddie Jordan expressed doubts about Lando Norris’s readiness to compete at Max Verstappen’s level despite acknowledging Norris’s raw speed. Jordan noted that, while Norris undeniably has the pace, his performance in Brazil, where Verstappen rose from 17th to victory, did not show the same level of skill or strategic maturity that defines top-tier champions like Verstappen. Starting from pole, Norris eventually finished sixth, a position that underlined his struggle to convert strong qualifying results into wins against seasoned competitors.
Jordan pointed to Norris’s repeated inability to defend or extend his pole position leads at race starts this season, having lost the lead in six out of seven instances. In Brazil, he was outpaced at the start by George Russell, and in the tricky wet conditions that followed, Verstappen managed a commanding drive from deep in the grid. This performance put Verstappen back on the winners’ podium while highlighting Norris’s need to refine his approach under pressure and maximize his advantage in challenging race scenarios.
On the Formula For Success podcast, Jordan elaborated on Norris’s missed opportunities, arguing that while the young driver has the potential, he lacks the competitive edge and racecraft that have made Verstappen a standout. He criticized Norris for failing to capitalize on pole positions and suggested that Norris reflect on his performances and use the winter break to mentally and strategically prepare for future title challenges. Jordan’s comments highlighted a need for Norris to emulate Verstappen’s tenacity and grit if he is to reach championship-winning form.
David Coulthard, Norris’s advocate on the podcast, acknowledged that Norris had missed several winning opportunities this season but expressed confidence in his potential to rise to the occasion in the future. Coulthard believes Norris possesses the attributes of a future champion, but the learning curve remains steep. He suggested that with more consistent starts and better handling in adverse conditions, such as rain-soaked tracks, Norris could soon convert his evident speed into victories.
Ultimately, while Jordan remains skeptical, Coulthard and others in the racing community are optimistic about Norris’s growth. They see him as a rising talent who, with experience, can challenge the likes of Verstappen. This debate underscores the high expectations around Norris and the demands of top-level racing, where raw speed alone is insufficient. As Norris takes stock of his performance, he faces the challenge of balancing speed with the racecraft and resilience necessary to become a true Formula 1 title contender.