Lando Norris faces prospect of surprise U-turn as he's issued four-word warning (original) (raw)

Lando Norris has been warned that he could be replaced as McLaren's No.1 driver by team-mate Oscar Piastri if he doesn't improve his form in the second half of the season

Lando Norris has been issued some stern words of advice

Eddie Jordan has warned McLaren they are "completely confused" over who their number one driver is out of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Norris is currently second in the F1 drivers' championship on 199 points, behind leader Max Verstappen on 277 points. The Brit has had a breakthrough year after securing a maiden victory at the Miami Grand Prix, although there's a feeling he should maybe have achieved more.

The 24-year-old has one of the fastest cars on the grid and is sufficiently more experienced compared to his team-mate, yet he has squandered opportunities to win races in both Spain and Hungary. It is something he has been honest and open about in a recent interview with Sky Sports.

Piastri, on the other hand, has arguably looked more composed and picked up a first victory of his own in Hungary. During that race, Norris found himself at odds with McLaren over the team radio, seemingly ready to disregard team orders after taking the lead post-pit stops, reports the Express.

It was only after 20 laps that Norris conceded, allowing Piastri to secure his first F1 victory. Given Piastri's strong performance and Norris's recent disappointments, former Jordan owner and F1 pundit Eddie Jordan believes that McLaren may soon favour the Australian as their preferred driver.

Speaking on the Formula For Success podcast with racing legend David Coulthard, Jordan said: "They're going to be fighting each other, they're going to be fighting for grid position."

Oscar Piastri has been given the vote of confidence ahead of Lando Norris (

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(Image: Getty))

"They're going to be fighting for race results. It's great for the punters but I'm sure a hell of a ride for the team." He then added a stark four-word caution about the quandary faced by McLaren at the moment, saying: "They are completely confused."

He went on to add: "You asked me last week 'Is Lando number one on that team?' I said to you 'without any question, yes'. And I would still say that today if you ask me, but give me a couple of more races and we might have to adjust that."

Currently trailing his team-mate by 32 points on 167, Piastri could potentially outshine Norris if things continue as they are, given there are ten more races on the calendar. Since Piastri joined the team last year, Norris has been considered McLaren's de facto leading driver.

Norris and Piastri are friends and team-mates (

Image:

Getty Images)

Moreover, both racers nabbed their first career grand prix wins this term, becoming the first set of team-mates to achieve this feat within a single season since Ralf Schumacher and Juan Pablo Montoya did it for Williams BMW 23 years earlier. Norris hasn't shied away from the criticism coming his way, reflecting on his own performances in an interview with Sky Sports.

Norris confessed: "Reviewing our season so far, it's been incredible. But from my side, it hasn't been good enough. I'll do what I can, today, tomorrow... it's a time when I can review and reflect on my good things, and also the things I need to and have to improve if I want to be a contender" he said.

"Because at the minute, I don't have what it takes because I've clearly made too many mistakes."

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