McLaren driver Lando Norris has expressed his desire for the British Grand Prix crowd to give his teammate and main championship competitor, Oscar Piastri, a welcoming and unbiased reception this weekend at Silverstone. As the title fight appears to be shaping up into a McLaren internal battle, the pair are separated by just 15 points in the standings. Norris is heading into his home race fresh off a victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he finished ahead of the championship leader, Piastri.
Norris is expected to receive massive support at Silverstone, particularly with his dedicated 10,000-capacity `Landostand` at Stowe corner. However, he stressed the importance of all fans embracing and supporting every driver, especially within the McLaren team.
Speaking alongside Norris in the post-race press conference in Austria, Piastri addressed potential concerns about a hostile reception at Norris`s home event. Norris quickly interjected, saying he sincerely hoped that wouldn`t happen, praising the British fans as typically accepting of all drivers and particularly supportive of McLaren.
Piastri added that he has generally experienced good support from the Silverstone crowd since joining McLaren in 2023, even recalling fans chanting his name unexpectedly a couple of years ago. While he doesn`t expect the same level of personal support as Norris at the Brit`s home race, he believes the fans appreciate the McLaren team, which includes both drivers, and anticipates a positive overall atmosphere.
The managing director of Silverstone, Stuart Pringle, is also confident there will be no issues. He told Sky Sports News that the Silverstone audience is knowledgeable and appreciates good sport, specifically highlighting the exciting duel between the two McLaren teammates. Pringle stated that Silverstone consistently delivers great racing and noted the fans` passion for the sport.
Following his commanding performance in Austria, Norris is seen as a strong contender for a victory at Silverstone, a circuit where he has previously secured second and third place finishes. Looking ahead to his seventh British GP, Norris expressed his excitement for what he considers the “best race of the year.” Despite his strong desire to win at home, he stated that the prospect doesn`t add pressure; rather, having his own grandstand and the home support acts as a positive distraction and boosts his motivation.
