Lando Norris has been building a reputation as a consistent podium finisher in F1, but Eddie Jordan believes a shift in attitude by the young McLaren driver is needed to bridge the gap to victory.
Norris claimed in Australia last weekend his fourteenth career podium in F1, a number that propelled him into the sport’s unwanted statistics as the driver with the greatest number of podiums without a win, a record previously held by Nick Heidfeld.
On two occasions in the past, Norris came close to glory. In 2021, he finished agonizingly close twice, including a second-place finish behind teammate Daniel Ricciardo at the Italian Grand Prix.
But the most gut-wrenching scenario unfolded in Russia that same year when Norris led a significant portion of the race in Sochi, only to mistime a switch to the intermediate tyre in the changing conditions and hand the win to Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking to David Coulthard on the pair’s ‘Formula for Success’ podcast, Jordan highlighted Norris’ indisputable talent and popularity, but suggested the McLaren charger needed a more aggressive racing spirit to become a bona fide Grand Prix winner.
“He’s revered isn’t he? He’s loved. He’s a good looking boy. His parents are gorgeous people. He is everything that every father would want to have in their son,” commented Jordan.
“He’s a really good example, well behaved, well educated and knows his place. I just want to see more fight there. I want to see more viciousness.
“Could he have won one of those 14 Grands Prix? He might have won one or two of them. I just want to see more action, real fight, real determination. When he gets that…
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“Remember what was the standout feature of Nigel Mansell? He believed he could beat anybody, anybody, and the fact is his talent was possibly in certain areas nowhere near as good as some of the guys he was beating because mentally his mind, no one could pass him and that was it.
“I just want to see more of that wild belief and commitment, and passion in Lando. You could be surprised. We could be looking at another British world champion because he’s that good.”
Jordan also warned that Norris will need to keep looking over his shoulder as his McLaren’s teammate Oscar Piastri continues to surge.
“He also has to take care. He has to take care because Oscar is no slouch that’s for certain,” he added.
“I am super impressed how he’s started his second season because very often the second season in Formula 1 as you well know David, is a huge transition because you’ve got rid of going to the party and you’re now in the hardcore game.
“You’ve got to perform. Oscar is doing that.”
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