John Watson scoffs at 23-podium ‘influencer’ who needs to focus on more on Formula 1

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John Watson is one of the best British F1 drivers never to win a world championship. Starting out at Brabham and finishing at McLaren, he enjoyed a successful career in the 1970s and 1980s.

Watson came closest to the title in 1982 when he finished third in the standings, level on points with Didier Pironi in second. In a truly unique season, Keke Rosberg prevailed by five points despite only winning one race.

Watson got the better of legendary McLaren teammate Niki Lauda that year and won five Grands Prix overall. He scored the first of those victories at the 1976 Austrian GP amid Lauda’s iconic rivalry with James Hunt, and the last at the USA West Grand Prix in Long Beach seven years later.

He would also notch two poles, five fastest laps and 20 podiums during his time in the sport. The Northern Irishman went on to become a commentator during the 1990s.

Watson offered his analysis as Ayrton Senna, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher and Damon Hill won titles. And he’s now weighed in on one of the biggest names in the current field.

John Watson unsure if Lando Norris is ‘an influencer who happens to be a driver’

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Watson criticised Lando Norris, the star driver for his old McLaren team. He feels that the 24-year-old is overly focused on his social media personality.

By contrast, his teammate Oscar Piastri is focused on the ‘job’ at hand. It should be noted that Norris is 32 points ahead of the Australian and leading the fight to Max Verstappen.

However, there are signs that Piastri is reaching Norris’ level. He’s been the form driver in F1 from the Austrian GP onwards, bagging five podiums and his first two victories (including one at the Azerbaijan GP last weekend).

Watson isn’t the first to level such a criticism at Norris. Peter Windsor told Norris to stop being ‘Mr Corporate’ and devote himself completely to racing.

“With Norris I don’t know whether he is a racing driver who is also an influencer or an influencer who happens to be a racing driver,” said Watson. “For Piastri it was a case of job done and move on to the next race.”

John Watson has previously expressed his amazement at Lando Norris

Norris admits he’s not at the level of Verstappen right now, and hasn’t shown the consistency required to become world champion. But he’d justifiably reject any questions over his commitment.

While he’ll be disappointed by the events of Italy and Azerbaijan, where he only picked up 29 points in a car that was good enough to win both races, he’s still been one of the standout drivers on the grid this year. He and Verstappen are the only duo to reach double figures for podium finishes, with the McLaren man now 23 overall.

Watson has previously praised Norris after his superb recovery from 17th to fifth at last year’s Mexico City Grand Prix. He didn’t understand how he was so fast.

But the objectives have shifted for the Englishman this year. Last year, he was battling to be best of the rest behind Red Bull, whereas now McLaren have the strongest car in F1, and most feel he hasn’t made the most of it.