Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz forged an optimal personal and professional relationship during the Spaniard’s stay at McLaren. Now, as direct rivals, both remain good friends.
When McLaren decided to completely renew its driver duo for the 2018 season, many doubted that Carlos Sainz and the rookie lando norris were capable of succeeding in a team in which Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne had suffered unspeakably.
But nevertheless, McLaren it managed to rise from the ashes and both drivers developed a personal relationship that led to an excellent professional collaboration, something that the team undoubtedly benefited from.
After two seasons, Carlos Sainz faced the challenge of Ferrari and the two have parted ways, but they remain good friends who have fun together when they have the chance. “We still talk to each other from time to time. I guess maybe not as often as the last few years. But we’re still partners, we still got along,” says Lando Norris.
Competitiveness well understood
Both are ultra-competitive drivers who like to challenge each other in any field, be it leisure or professional. But that has never caused problems between the two and not even the direct fight for third place in the 2021 constructors’ championship between McLaren and ferrari has generated friction between them.
“As much as the rivalry has probably increased and we both want to beat each other -as well as our teams-, we still have a lot of respect for each other and who we are as drivers etc. So I don’t think that changes who we are, no matter what team we’re on.”
Only in Brazil was there a hint of friction between Carlos Sainz and Norris which soon resolved itself after the race. “I guess we just don’t spend as much time together, but we still play golf and retain that competitive side to each other.”
“But when we’re on the track, I think it doesn’t matter how good a partner you are to anyone, on or off the track., you forget all that and you just want to beat everyone regardless of the color of the car, “concludes Norris, who acknowledges that Carlos Sainz overshadowed him during the stay of the Madrid native at McLaren.