Nico Rosberg reveals what he told Lando Norris in a social media message

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Nico Rosberg has questioned Lando Norris’ attitude in Formula 1 and his lack of positivity at times despite taking pole position for the Italian Grand Prix.

McLaren have been performing admirably throughout the 2024 Formula 1 season, especially since taking a step forward at the Miami Grand Prix in May.

They are now Red Bull’s closest challengers in the Constructors’ Championship and could be considered favourites based on recent form and the ever-shrinking 30-point deficit they need to overturn.

Norris has an opportunity to take victory in Italy after storming to pole position ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

Nico Rosberg believes Lando Norris could be more upbeat in Formula 1

Norris is enjoying a memorable season, having won his first two Formula 1 races. The British driver is spearheading McLaren’s Constructors’ Championship challenge.

The McLaren driver is Verstappen’s nearest rival for the Drivers’ Championship but the Dutchman is 70 points in front, a sizeable gap with nine races to go.

Fine margins separated the cars over a single lap in Italy, with two tenths separating the top six on the fastest track on the calendar.

Former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg revealed when speaking on Sky Sports that he sent Norris a message on social media after qualifying at Monza.

He said: “I wrote him a direct message on Instagram, actually. I told him ‘Lando, you’re on pole position now. It’s always a bit glass half empty, which I find unnecessary and a bit unfortunate.’

“He could choose to just be more positive in what he says and say ‘Hey, today, awesome pole position’ I think that would be the better way for him.”

Norris is the only realistic McLaren driver that could push Verstappen in the closing stages of the season and it might be wise of the team to prioritise him over Piastri.

Rosberg added: “McLaren have a real opportunity here if they put all the eggs in Lando’s basket. You have to do that. I think all the fans would also be accepting of that if the scenario comes in a race, because Lando, again, this weekend has shown that he is, this weekend, the fastest driver out there.”

Winning the Italian Grand Prix is vital for Lando Norris’ title challenge

The grid for the Italian Grand Prix has presented a real opportunity for McLaren to take their first victory at Monza since 2021.

Norris’ pole position, along with his teammate Piastri qualifying in second place, allows McLaren to control the race if they can maintain their position off the line.

Starts have been a weak point for the team in recent races, an aspect which is highlighted even more than before as they are consistently at the front.

Verstappen took the lead from Norris at Zandvoort at the start. The distance from pole position to Turn 1 at Monza is longer than in The Netherlands, making the launch off the line even more critical.