There are certain weekends in the world of Formula 1 that highlight all the inconsistencies and hypocrisies surrounding the sport, often fueled by distorted narratives and misguided perceptions from the public. A recent example is the Azerbaijan GP in Baku, where the most competitive driver and car failed to win due to a flawed strategy and a few mistakes on the track. A similar situation had occurred just two weeks earlier at Monza: a dominant car that couldn’t capitalize on its potential due to strategic and driving errors. However, the reaction to the protagonists of these two events was strikingly different.
Lando Norris, in particular, has been unfairly targeted by the media, pundits, and fans. At Monza, after being overtaken by Oscar Piastri at the second corner, his race became complicated, and he ended up finishing in third place. Immediately, criticism poured in, accusing him of being too passive and submissive. Moreover, the usual debate about his pole positions not translating into victories resurfaced. In Baku, however, Charles Leclerc lost the lead after a slow pit stop and a daring overtake by Piastri, but the narrative surrounding him was entirely different: instead of criticism, he was praised as Ferrari's savior.
While Norris is consistently accused of not converting his 5 poles into wins (with only 2 victories), Leclerc’s stats—26 poles and 7 wins—seem to go unnoticed. Yet, even Leclerc has had seasons where his car was much stronger in qualifying than in the race (this is a fact). This double standard also shows in the way overtakes and qualifying mistakes are treated: Norris had to explain himself, while Leclerc, in a similar situation, would likely have been defended.
The reality is that Norris had a great race in Baku, but he continues to be perceived as "loser," while Leclerc, despite his mistakes, is hailed as a hero. A bit of intellectual honesty would benefit everyone, whether it’s commentators, pundits, or fans.
As for myself, a professional in the field for years, I still choose to publish thoughts on the matter because I love Formula 1 too much to let it fall into a cycle of superficiality among those not involved in the sport.
© Simone Marchetti
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