F1 News: Former Team Boss Concerned Lando Norris' McLaren Seat Is In Danger

Peter Windsor has made a bold prediction over Lando Norris' permanent seat with McLaren.

Former Formula 1 team manager Peter Windsor recently shared his views on the possible threat that Oscar Piastri's performance could pose to Lando Norris' future at McLaren. Windsor praised Piastri's abilities on the track despite the challenges presented by McLaren's MCL60 car.

Windsor expressed his belief in Piastri's potential, even suggesting that the young Australian driver has what it takes to excel at top-tier teams like Red Bull and Ferrari. He remarked: 

“From what I’ve seen now, I think he’s got short corners. I think he’s got lovely touch. I think he drives really, really well and he’s got enormous potential.

“In a Red Bull right now, he’d be really quick. In a Ferrari, he’d be not far away from Sainz out of the box.

“It’s very early days [so] obviously he’s not as quick as George [Russell] or Lewis [Hamilton] or Charles [Leclerc] or Max [Verstappen].

“But I think he’s potentially right up there. And this is the problem for Lando. I’m not saying that Lando’s not as quick if not quicker.

“I think Lando’s got enormous potential as well, but he’s in danger at the moment of going sideways in terms of his career at McLaren and Piastri has got nothing to lose at McLaren.

“He can only gain by looking good alongside Lando.

According to Windsor, Piastri's arrival at McLaren in 2023, replacing fellow Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo, was intended to create more internal competition and push Norris to new heights. However, Windsor's analysis raises the possibility that Piastri's impressive performances might overshadow Norris and jeopardise his position within the team.

Windsor went on to discuss the significance of this season for Norris, stating: 

“This is an important year for Lando because he needs to come out of it basically being three tenths to five tenths quicker than Piastri everywhere and blowing him away. That’s not happening yet.

“And if it’s not happening, Lando needs to be in another team getting his career going with some sort of skyrocket because Piastri’s eating into Lando’s stock right now, I think.”

He emphasised that if Norris fails to establish his superiority over Piastri, he might consider seeking opportunities with other teams to revive his career.

Acknowledging Norris' immense potential, Windsor made it clear that he believes both drivers possess exceptional talent. However, he warned that Norris must prove his superiority over Piastri to secure his future at McLaren, as Piastri's strong performances continue to enhance his own reputation.

 Although Norris is currently contracted with McLaren until 2025, speculations have linked him to Mercedes and Red Bull, with many considering him a future world champion.

As the competition intensifies within McLaren, fans eagerly await the unfolding of events and the performance of both Norris and Piastri throughout the season. The outcome will undoubtedly have significant implications for their respective careers.