Vandoorne shows Norris the pitfalls of F1

Lando Norris has been warned by former grand prix-winner Johnny Herbert that he should look to McLaren predecessor Stoffel Vandoorne as proof that his ascension to Formula 1 will not be plain sailing. Norris will become the youngest Briton to race in F1 when he debuts next season on the back of a glittering junior career.

Norris has followed up last year's European F3 Championship title with a tilt at the Formula 2 crown in 2018, where he has battled with Mercedes junior George Russell through the year.

While standings leader Russell is yet to secure a seat in F1, although he has been linked with Williams, Norris will make the step up whether he wins F2 or not.

Vandoorne enjoyed a similarly impressive career in lower categories, winning GP2 and Super Formula before earning a full-time F1 drive in 2017. However, he has only beaten teammate Fernando Alonso on-track once in 35 races since and is reportedly weighing up offers from IndyCar and Formula E for next year.

Asked about Norris' and Russell's title fight in 2018, Herbert said: "I hope it's a sign, as young as they are, that they will be able to jump into a Formula 1 seat and do the job.

"But, you always have Stoffel Vandoorne's story. Take Lando, you have to be very aware that it's not a given that it's an easy scenario and everything is going to work out for you.

"Vandoorne had a brilliant career through the single-seater categories and gets to F1 and sadly it hasn't happened for him.

"You have to capitalise on the chance. They are young, yes, but it doesn't matter.

"If you don't do the job, you'll be out, and it's damn hard, unless you have a load of money in your pocket, to come back in again.

"You've got to grab it by the horns and use the situation you have to your advantage."

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