A 'MORE CONFIDENT' NORRIS

He feels momentum with him as he tries to retain S'pore title, win drivers' c'ship

- David Lee Senior Sports Correspondent

McLaren's Lando Norris, who trails teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri by 25 points, trying out the simulator at a pop-up event at Plaza Singapura's atrium on Sept 30. ST PHOTOS: JASON QUAH

(ST PHOTOS: JASON QUAH)

For a Formula One driver used to keeping his nerve in intense races amid noise levels of more than 140 decibels, McLaren's Lando Norris was surprisingly tongue-tied when greeted by more than 1,000 shrieking fans at Plaza Singapura's atrium on Sept 30.

But he regained his poise fast enough in front of his adoring supporters who came with cameras, phones, markers and handmade signs, one reading “Lando we skipped school to see you” as well as curious passersby who clung on to the glass parapets on all six upper levels.

The 25-year-old Briton, who was making an appearance at Ralph Lauren Fragrances' Polo Red Racing popup event ahead of the Oct 3-5 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, eventually rattled out, “passionate, fast and confident” when asked to describe the American brand’s latest fragrance.

Chasing his first Fl drivers’ championship after finishing second to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in 2024, Norris used similar adjectives on himself when asked about his biggest personal shift as he transitions from podium-pusher to championship contender.