Schumacher slams McLaren: 'You are suffocating Norris, just let him drive!'

20:53, 19 Jun

byNorberto Mujica

Lando Norris has been put in the spot since the 2025 F1 season started. His teammate Oscar Piastri currently has more wins and points and sits pretty at the top of the standings. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that the responsibility does not lie entirely on the Briton.

Norris has failed to deliver when it's mattered, mostly during qualifying, but prior to his Canadian Grand Prix clash with teammate Piastri the difference wasn't as palpable in the championship standings with the two being separated by 10 points after 9 rounds. That's a little over a point on average that the Briton was losing to the Aussie.

F1 media has focused on Norris' mental fortitude or lack thereof, as the reason behind his dip in performance and the plethora of mistakes he's made this season. Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg offered to help the British driver, even. However, his offer did not get a response and former F1 driver, Ralf Schumacher also adviced Norris not to take it.

Lando Norris' Canadian Grand Prix ended in tears for the Briton

Norris in the spotlight even at McLaren

For Schumacher the British driver is currently under pressure, not just from the media, but also from his team, McLaren. The German believes Norris should just drive and offers an advice for the papaya team as well during an interview with the F1 Insider.

"Norris has to clear his head and just do what he's really good at: drive a car fast. Because he can do that – and very well. In terms of pure speed, he was faster than Piastri in Montreal, but he made crucial mistakes – first in qualifying, then in the race."

"I think he feels too much observed, also by the team. It is striking that the engineers constantly want to give him hints over the radio. You shouldn't do that in the future – just let him drive," he concluded.