McLaren star Lando Norris has been named Driver of the Day after his stellar performance at the Formula 1 2024 Chinese Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old received the highest portion of votes with a 26 per cent share from the public watching at home or at the circuit, and few could deny he was thoroughly deserving of the award.
Norris started fourth on the grid after showing decent pace in qualifying and he followed that up with a consistent and mature drive in Shanghai, coming home in second place behind race winner Max Verstappen.
The Briton did a solid first stint on the medium tyre and even led the race ahead of Verstappen when the race leader came into the pits. However, he relinquished P1 when he pitted for the hards, and made them last after pitting again under the safety car.
It is the first time this season the Driver of the Day has been given to a driver outside of Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc and Oliver Bearman all receiving the honour this season.
When he was informed he had won Driver of the Day, Norris said: “Oh my god, thank you so much! I didn’t know i had so many Chinese supporters, but it’s incredible, so thank you very much.”
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He then dedicated the award to his mother on the cooldown lap, sending her a message on the team radio on the cooldown lap: “Happy Birthday Mum for yesterday… I guess this one was for you. Love you mum.”
Norris surprised by McLaren pace
Norris admitted he wasn’t expecting to finish second and land his 15th career podium, as well as pointing to Ferrari’s lack of pace.
“Surprised, so I’m very happy,” Norris said to media post-race. “I’m happy for the whole team, they deserved it. Good pit stops. Just today worked out.
“I don’t know why, it was not the race I was expecting to have today, but just got comfortable and could manage the tyres a lot, which was an easier task than what I could have yesterday. And I could just push, the car felt great and I felt comfortable.
“So a good day, good points, and another podium. So very happy.”
