Martin Brundle Defends Lando Norris’ Self-Criticism Following Bahrain Qualifying

Former Formula 1 driver and current Sky Sports F1 presenter, Martin Brundle, has come to the defense of McLaren driver, Lando Norris, after his harsh self-critique following qualifying in Bahrain. The young racer will start from sixth on the grid for the Bahrain Grand Prix, while his teammate, Oscar Piastri, will take pole position.

Norris’ Self-Criticism Under Scrutiny

After a disappointing qualifying session under the lights of the Bahrain International Circuit, Norris was visibly downbeat. He explained, “I didn’t even go a tenth quicker,” he lamented. “I’m just not quick enough.” When asked where he was struggling, he replied, “Honestly, no idea. No idea, just not quick enough. It’s just another day. [We will] look into things, see why I was struggling so much today and try again tomorrow.

Norris’ candid self-assessment has sparked debate among fans and within the F1 paddock. However, Brundle has defended the 25-year-old, suggesting that we all handle disappointment differently.

Brundle’s Defense of Lando Norris

Speaking on the Sky Sports broadcast ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Brundle argued, “You have to remember that when we all get disappointed in things that happen in our lives, we haven’t got a camera and millions of people watching us right at that moment.” He continued, “But how Lando manages it down, he sort of beats himself up when his disappointment juices are flowing, and that’s how he works it. We’re all different.

Brundle further explained, “I think he tries to manage down the pressure like that as well, so that maybe he doesn’t get as much stick, because he’s saying he’s rubbish.” However, he also pointed out an issue with Norris’ approach, stating, “The problem with that strategy is it feeds your rivals. Piastri, Leclerc and Verstappen must look at that and think, ‘wow, there’s a soft underbelly there somewhere that we can get into’.

Norris’ Optimism for the Race

Despite his difficulties yesterday, Norris confirmed ahead of the race that he was “feeling optimistic.” He said, “I just went to bed and woke up again! I feel a bit better,” Norris stated. “I’m optimistic. The car has been great all weekend. I’ve been a bit off it but I’m still optimistic I can get back into the rhythm.

Norris expressed his excitement for the race, stating, “I’m excited and I hope to put on a bit of a show today. It’s a long race, a lot of degradation, but our pace on Friday was strong.” He concluded, “I just have to do some overtaking! Strategy, Safety Cars could come into play so hopefully that goes our way.