Composed Norris overturns 34-point deficit to jump ahead in FI title race

The Formula | paddock has been witness to a very sombre version of Lando Norris in the past couple of months.

- Sandip Sikdar

Jovial and often seen having a laugh with fellow drivers and teammates, the 25-year-old has been more reserved, politically correct and not displaying too much emotion since the mechanical failure of his McLaren at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31.

That DNF (did not finish) was a crucial moment in the FI title race with the Briton falling 34 points behind teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri. Since then, Norris has been quieter, more composed and calm even when he’s done well, achieved a podium or earned more points than his primary title rival in the last few races.

Even when he took pole with a stonking lap on Saturday — almost six-tenths faster than Piastri—he barely let out his typical ‘Come on!’ on his cool down lap.

The resolve helped the Bristol-born driver to slowly eat into the massive points cushion Piastri had in the last four races before delivering a statement win in Mexico City on Sunday to overturn the deficit and retake the lead of the championship for the first time in six months.