Norris Needs To 'Grow Bigger Balls' According To Steiner

Friday, 06 September 2024 at 18:00

Former F1 team principal Guenther Steiner criticized Lando Norris after the 2024 Italian Grand Prix, saying he needs to "grow bigger balls."

Although he finished on the podium (which is a dream for some of the F1 drivers), Lando Norris was definitely not happy with his result after the 2024 Italian Grand Prix.

Starting from pole position, he lost two positions on the opening lap - to his teammate Oscar Piastri and to Charles Leclerc, behind whom he also finished the race (crossing the finish line in P3).

While the 24-year-old took the blame on himself, he also expressed he wasn't happy with the overtake that Piastri pulled on him as it was too risky.

However, he said nothing on the team radio about it during the race, and that surprised former team principal Guenther Steiner, who told Red Flags Podcast:

“"What frustrates me is Piastri overtakes him, and there's never a bad reaction or emotional reaction from Lando. I would go on the radio and say, 'What the f**k is all this about?' In a loud voice."”

Read also

Piastri Addresses 'Aggressive' Move On Norris From His Own Perspective

“"He beats himself up, and I think we need to tell him to grow bigger balls. It cannot be played out politically with papaya rules. You need to fight hard for it."”

Guenther Steiner also pinpointed the moment from the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix where Lando Norris obeyed team orders and let his teammate pass him to take the victory.

This cost the 24-year-old seven points in the Championship, and finishing behind Piastri in Monza cost him three more points. With a Championship battle that might go down to the final race of the season, every point matters, and that's why Steiner believes Norris needs to change his attitude.

“"He gave back the victory [in Hungary]. I don't know many drivers who would've done that. That makes him a good human being, but it's not the right attitude to have to win a World Championship."”