Carlos Sainz has lamented what he perceives to be a negative reaction to Lando Norris‘ open approach to his mental struggles during this year’s Formula 1 season.
The Brit has opened up on some of the psychological difficulties he has faced during the early parts of the season, citing perfectionism and a lack of affinity with the MCL39.
Norris has managed to wrestle himself out of his initial slog, reducing the gap to team-mate Oscar Piastri in the World Championship to just nine points.
His reversal in fortunes has been praised by McLaren’s CEO Zak Brown, who commented that he was in “a great place.”
The approach Norris took to be open about his feelings was praised at the height of his struggles by Sebastian Vettel, who said that being vocal was “just progress.”
Ex-team-mate Sainz has also complimented Norris for the public handling of his woes, but lambasted how some have, from his perspective, made a negative narrative for it.
“He opens [up] to the media and to people more than any other driver on the grid – and people use that against him,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“What you see on TV is what he is as a human being. He’s very good at showing himself.
“I sometimes find it a bit ironic and a bit frustrating. He is probably the only guy being 100 per cent genuine on his feelings and the way he thinks but then people are going back at him.”
Sainz backs Norris to win F1 title
Sainz made the point that Norris is no different to the other drivers on the grid, other than that he has been brave enough to discuss it in an open forum.
The Spaniard said it was “a bit sad,” adding that “probably the 19 other drivers have a similar level of doubt and a similar level of self-criticism inside their heads, they just don’t explain it out loud because we prefer to keep it inside and not say it to the media”.
Sainz backed his former partner to win the Drivers’ Championship, having rejuvenated his campaign with thrilling wins in Monaco, Austria, Silverstone and most recently in Hungary.
“If I base my decision on speed and talent, I’m 100 per cent sure he has that to win a World Championship,” he expressed.
“But F1 also involves a bit of luck, mental resilience, being at home with a car in the right times.
“It doesn’t really matter if he doesn’t win this year, he’ll get another chance. He has 10-15 years in F1. He has the potential, talent and speed.
“If he gets it this year, great I’ll be happy for him. If not, he might get his chance later.”
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