Steiner surprised by 'not folding' Norris in McLaren's free for all title fight

18:34, 08 Aug

byNorberto Mujica

Guenther Steiner believes Lando Norris has proven his critics wrong in the 2025 title battle, even if he still backs Oscar Piastri for the championship.

Speaking on the Red Flags podcast, the former Haas team principal admitted he had previously doubted Norris’s ability to handle pressure.

Steiner: "Norris is up for the fight"

“It’s a sign we have got a nice championship in front of us, because it’s not done until it’s finished, because there’s always some surprises,” Steiner said.

“But what I think, who will be world champion, I don’t have to repeat that, I’m still [team] Oscar.”

'Not a lot of folding going on there'

Steiner reflected on Norris' recent form. “With Lando, even when everybody was doubting him, not being critical, but doubting him if he can be a world champion because he’s folding under pressure, [with] me being part of that group of people."

"He’s won three out of the last four races. That’s not too bad. That’s not a lot of folding going on there.”

According to Steiner, McLaren’s approach is adding to the excitement.

“He’s up for the fight, which is interesting. And McLaren is very good to let them keep on fighting. It looks like they don’t give any team orders.”

As of now, Lando Norris has narrowed the ever ebbing and flowing gap to his teammate in the championship down to 9 points following his Hungarian Grand Prix win.