Lando Norris lauded McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri and asserted that the rookie deserved a podium finish at Formula 1’s British Grand Prix.
Norris and Piastri held second and third during the opening stint of Formula 1’s British Grand Prix before Piastri came into the pits to make his mandatory stop.
The timing of a Safety Car period for the stricken Haas of Kevin Magnussen allowed Lewis Hamilton to minimise the time lost during his own pit stop.
Hamilton emerged from the pit lane in third place, in front of Piastri, with their respective positions retained through to the chequered flag.
“I feel for him to be honest, he should be sitting here,” said Norris during the post-race press conference.
“Like, you know, if things went to plan and there wasn’t a Safety Car. So it’s a bit of a shame.
“He deserved his first podium in Formula 1. I think it would have been amazing for us as team McLaren and celebrating our 60th anniversary and the Google Chrome livery, you know, all of these things, to share it, I think, would have been pretty special.
“He’s been on top form all weekend. Yeah, he’s been pushing me an insane amount, which is a good thing. It’s raised the level of what we do as a team.”
Norris lauded how Piastri has assimilated within McLaren during his maiden campaign in Formula 1.
“All year he’s been good,” said Norris. “You know, it’s not like he’s just turned up here and been strong. He’s been good since day one in the car and makes my life tough sometimes.
“I don’t always like it, but it’s a good thing at the end of the day, and it makes me a better driver, too. I feel for him and the team. We did everything we should have done to be P2 and P3.”
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