Brown tells Norris not to repeat mistakes in F1

Brown tells Norris not to repeat mistakes in F1

Martin Macdonald

Saturday 16 February 2019 13:00

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McLaren chief Zak Brown has backed rookie driver Lando Norris to make a positive impact for the team immediately in his debut season in Formula 1, but has warned the young driver not to make the same mistake twice if he is to improve.

The team has freshened up their driving line-up for the 2019 season, with Norris and Carlos Sainz being recruited to replace Stoffel Vandoorne and Fernando Alonso, who has left F1 after 17 years to pursue interests in other motorsport disciplines.

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At 19-years-old, Norris is the team's youngest ever driver, but Brown still thinks the Brit can start his F1 career with a bang - as long as he doesn't repeat mistakes.

"I think Lando will hit the ground running and be on it right away," Brown said at the launch of McLaren's 2019 challenger car.

"I’m sure he’ll make some mistakes along the way and that’s alright, as long as you don’t make the same one twice - that’s the golden rule!

We asked someone to take a photo of us on our first date ?? #MCL34 pic.twitter.com/H2COmIiU5P — Lando Norris (@LandoNorris) February 14, 2019

"But we are confident in his abilities and this is going to be a bit of a journey together so we are excited to get to know him more."

Brown went on to praise Norris for his maturity, and reckons performing in F1 will not provide a major shock to the driver, who has been involved in racing since a young age.

"I think Lando is very mature for his age. He’s been in a race car pretty much his entire life."

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