David Coulthard now believes that 24-year-old Formula 1 driver is ‘the real deal’

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Formula 1 legend David Coulthard has suggested that McLaren star Lando Norris is ‘the real deal’ but faces stiff competition from teammate Oscar Piastri.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are one of the strongest driver line-ups on the grid now and judging by the progress McLaren made during 2023, they could be challenging Red Bull next year should they get their development right over the winter.

David Coulthard was speaking with Eddie Jordan on the Formula For Success Podcast.

Lando Norris must be wondering when his first Formula 1 race win is going to come.

No driver in F1 history has recorded more podium finishes than the 24-year-old without taking the chequered flag first.

McLaren struggled in the first half of 2023, but their upgrade package worked to perfection and all of a sudden Norris and Oscar Piastri were two of Red Bull’s closest rivals.

Coulthard believes that McLaren have to deliver a winning car to Norris sooner rather than later.

Norris is on Ferrari’s radar and if he can’t achieve that coveted victory with his current team, he may start to consider his options.

McLaren will be desperate for that not to happen and in a year where the majority of the grid could lose their seats, they’ll hope their two drivers aren’t involved in any of those discussions.

Coulthard lauds McLaren star Norris

Speaking about the young Brit, Coulthard said: “I think it’s still another year of maturing for McLaren. I think Oscar [Piastri] will be really he’ll have learned a lot from that first season, brilliant first season in Formula 1.

“Lando’s [Norris] the real deal isn’t he, just looking for a winning car and once he’s broken that duck, I’m sure he’ll go from strength to strength.

“But I still feel that Ferrari had the underlying pace but didn’t manage to convert it in race trim.”

Norris hasn’t officially been linked with a seat at Red Bull, although he’s been warned by Johnny Herbert not to take up the offer if it was presented to him.

Like the connections with Ferrari, teams might look at Norris as the best available option when his contract runs out at the end of 2025 if he’s still waiting for that first race win.

Coulthard isn’t the only person on the F1 grid who rates Norris incredibly highly and McLaren do that two serious talents on their hands.

They need to make the most of this winter break to close the gap on their rivals to prevent speculation from mounting.