Andreas Seidl does not want to hear Lando Norris being compared to Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher at such an early stage of his career.
Although McLaren are not so far proving to be as competitive in 2022 as they were in the previous two seasons, Norris is continuing to impress.
As was the case last year, the Briton is the leading driver in the standings from outside the Red Bull, Ferrari and Mercedes teams, currently outscoring his McLaren colleague Daniel Ricciardo by 48 points to 11.
He has also added a sixth Formula 1 podium finish to his tally when third at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, and set the fastest lap of the race in Monaco last time out even though he was still recovering from a bout of tonsillitis.
6th & fastest lap. Just you wait until I’m back @ 100% pic.twitter.com/blxEnA6FiA
— Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) May 29, 2022
McLaren are certainly pinning their hopes for the future on Norris, who signed a new contract earlier this year to remain with the team until the end of 2025.
But despite the 22-year-old’s huge potential, talk of Norris being in the same bracket as the sport’s two seven-time former World Champions is premature, according to his team boss Seidl.
Especially as Norris has never yet had a car in which he could challenge for a title.
“It’s just too early to compare Lando to a Lewis Hamilton or Michael Schumacher,” said Seidl, quoted by Motorsport.com. “But there is a reason why we have entered into a long-term contract with him.
“He has shown us with his progression and performance that he has something special. That was also true in Monaco.
“He delivers right away, that’s impressive. It’s also important for the team.
“We are currently in a fierce battle for P4 in the championship, where we are up against strong competitors. They also have fast cars and good drivers.
“In any case, I am very happy Lando is with us. He has potential and has shown a lot already. It is simply our job to give him a better…
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