McLaren driver Lando Norris has said he has a good working relationship with McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andreas Seidl, but he still feels pressure from them.
The 21-year-old has been in exceptional form this season, and he is currently third in the Drivers’ Standings on 113 points.
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Speaking to Motorsport.com, Norris said having the support of Brown and Seidl has been “hugely important” to his growth as an F1 driver.
“I think it’s been hugely important,” Norris said.
“Having them support you in tough times and criticise you when you need to be criticised.
“It’s not all about trying to make you feel good but telling you the truth and tell you: ‘You’ve just got to be better in this area, and you’ve got to be better in this area’.
“But they just want to help you as well, it’s not like all you have to do is impress them. They also want to help you do a better job and maximise yourself.
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“And it’s definitely helped me progress quicker, become a better driver. I still feel pressure from them, so it’s not like it’s easy and we’re best mates or whatever and I can get away with everything.”
Continuing, Norris said they are ultimately still “my bosses and I don’t want to make mistakes; I don’t want to make them look bad.
“And I’ve still got a job at the end of the day where I have to perform and go out and do a very good job.”
He added that Brown and Seidl give him a “kick up the arse” when he needs one:
“It’s also in those tougher times or the times you struggle, or the times you need that kick up the arse to go and do a better job in whatever area, that they give you that.
“And I think it’s a very good combination of these types of things that they’re able to help on.”
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