Lando Norris feels that his personality hasn’t changed throughout his tenure in Formula One, although he does think that certain racers are “shaped” by the squads they are with.
Since George Russell entered Mercedes from Williams, Lando Norris believes he has noticed a difference in the former Williams racer.
Russell and Norris competed against one another in junior divisions where they both raced growing up.
Russell won the title that year, but he and Norris, along with Alex Albon, who finished third behind the two Britons in the rankings, made the jump to Formula 1 in 2019.
Russell stayed with Williams for three years after that before joining the Silver Arrows in 2022.
Norris, however, chose McLaren and will continue to compete for the Woking-based team through the end of 2025.
Norris: Russell is “different” at Mercedes
Norris believes that those close to him have helped him stay the same person during his time in the motor racing.
But Russell, according to the McLaren racer, has undergone a character shift.
“My manager, my trainer, my parents, have always tried to keep me as me, rather than try to shape me,” Norris told The Independent.
“I see other drivers get shaped more because of who they are with, the teams they are with, and I don’t think that is a good thing. It takes away their personality.
“Growing up with George for instance, was a lot of fun. He was a great person, but it is different at Mercedes – a different vibe and a different atmosphere. I just don’t see as fun a side of him.
“George is a great person, and I feel like the personality he had a few years ago, he would be even more popular.”
Norris praises Russell’s “outstanding” performance
Norris does not put the blame for what he perceives as a difference in Russell on Mercedes.
He also notes how well the 24-year-old has been doing for the Silver Arrows.
“I don’t think it is Mercedes’ fault but the pressure of being with Mercedes, and having Lewis [Hamilton] as a teammate, is never going to be an easy thing,” Norris continued.
“You don’t want to be seen to be having a fun time and playing around, but on the other side there are no complaints because George is doing an amazing job this year, so it is working for him.”
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Lando Norris, George Russell, F1, F1 2022, FIA, Formula 1, Grand Prix, Williams, Mercedes, McLaren
