When Daniel Ricciardo crept his way into McLaren, it had looked like the Australian could well be leading the team from the front, considering his abundant experience racing at the top. However, going into the summer break, the reality suggested otherwise, as Lando Norris was the one steering McLaren forward.

But, now, with Ricciardo breaking the shackles and looking more comfortable than ever, there have been fears that McLaren could start prioritizing the former Red Bull driver over Norris. Interestingly, that doesn’t seem to be the case.

The British outfit are still acknowledging Norris’ value to the team this season despite Ricciardo ending their dry run with a race victory in Italy. McLaren’s team principal, Andreas Seidl, revealed that he had thanked Norris for the Italian GP podium and is certain that the rising star could soon find his first Grand Prix win.

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What did the McLaren boss say?

As reported by Motorsport Magazine, Seidl pointed out that Norris was the one carrying the team on his shoulders when Ricciardo was amidst a rough patch.

“All I could do in the last week with Lando was simply thank him for everything that he was doing for us this entire season so far. Because we shouldn’t forget, especially with the struggles Daniel had in this first half of the season, it was very important that we had a Lando that was pulling off these performances,” he said.

“Because we all know how the sport works. If Lando would have struggled this way as well, in the same way as Daniel did at some weekends, the roof at the MTC would have been on fire quite quickly!

“And we would have questioned everything we are doing. That’s part of the sport we’re in. So, with the performances Lando has shown, that’s why I can’t thank him enough.”

How Lando Norris was crucial for McLaren’s race to the top

Seidl opened up that Norris managed to take the pressure off the team by putting up consistent performances this year.

“It allowed us to simply keep working quietly on our plan of getting back to the front in F1. And I think he appreciates that as well and understands that. And his time will come. There will be more opportunities coming in his career,” he said.

Overall, Norris has been a treasure for McLaren so far. Interestingly, the Briton is still well in the fight for P3 in the driver’s championship. But, can he take it all the way by defeating big guns like Bottas and Perez? Only time will tell?

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