Lando Norris says ‘not most joyful conversations' followed his Canada crash
Norris was speaking at length for the first time since his world championship setback at the previous round in Montreal, where he crashed into the back of team-mate Piastri's car.
Championship leader Piastri was able to finish fourth but Norris retired with damage which leaves him 22 points off the title pace ahead of the 11th round of the season in Austria on Sunday.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella had warned of tough conversations with Norris.
The little bow to each other 😍#McLaren | #AustrianGP 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/hUlQCcfkfe
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 26, 2025
Addressing the post-Montreal summit here in Spielberg, the British driver said: 'Of course, they were not the most joyful conversations, but they were conversations that clearly needed to be had because it is not about just me, but it is about how we perform as a team, too, and we all know what the number one rule (not crashing into a team-mate) was, and continues to be.
'So, there were very constructive things that were said, in an unfortunate way but in a good way, too, because many things have come out stronger which you might not have expected.'
Norris accepted full responsibility for the coming together he said made him look foolish.
He was already on the back foot in Canada following two mistakes in qualifying which left him seventh on the grid.
He drove well to bring himself back into contention only to misjudge the move on Piastri which again raises questions over his credentials as a legitimate championship contender.
But an upbeat Norris continued: 'I almost forgot about it until earlier today. I feel good and I am excited for this weekend.
'Yes, it took me a little time (to get over) because my team means everything to me. They are the people I have grown up with and the team that has given me my opportunity in Formula One.
'So, what happened in Montreal with my team-mate was probably the most painful part for me because it was the last thing I would ever want to happen and for that action to have come from me.
'I felt very bad for the team. It was a tough couple of days but I have become a lot better at dealing with those moments and speaking to Andrea, my team around me, and (McLaren CEO) Zak (Brown) and trying to move on as quickly as possible was very important. We come here with that in the past and we go again.'
We backkkkk 😁#McLaren | #AustrianGP 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/6Kw1eN1QlD
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) June 26, 2025
Despite the papaya-on-papaya clash, Norris insisted both he and Piastri are free to race.
He concluded: 'No, nothing has changed. It actually showed the trust and honesty that Oscar and I have for one another.
'And it is important that we keep that going and we stay strong because we don't want the downfall that we know other teams have had in the past.
'We want to race fair, hard and on the limit but we don't want a repeat of what happened last time out and that takes both of us even though Canada was on me.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Faith Kipyegon believes a woman running a sub-four minute mile is close
The 31-year-old mother was flanked by a number of pacemakers, including British Olympians Georgia Hunter-Bell, Jemma Reekie and Elliot Giles at the the Stade Charlety, carefully chosen by the Kenyan's team from among 100 potential stadia for optimal conditions. Kenya's Faith Kipyegon is a three-time Olympic champion (PA) 'I'm exhausted,' said Kipyegon, speaking on Nike's official YouTube channel, which also live-streamed the event. 'I'm tired, but I'm feeling good. I've tried. That is why I came here. I would like to be the first woman to run under four minutes, but I've proven that it's possible. 'It's only a matter of time before I think it comes our way, even if it's not me, it will come one day. 'I will not lose hope. I will still go for it.' Kipyegon's effort was still good enough for the fastest mile run by a woman in history, and 1.22 seconds faster than her own best. Though she did cross the line quicker than her world record, set at the Monaco Diamond League meet, it will not officially count as the 'Breaking4' event was not an official competition, and the Kenyan employed the use of male pacemakers, among other reasons. Her specially-designed equipment included a Nike fly suit, a bespoke bra and a first of its kind Victory 2 Elite FK spike, weighing about 21 grams lighter than the shoes she wore to break the world record. 'This was really special,' added Kipyegon. 'I did not expect to see so many people, but I have proved to the world that everything is possible.' Kipyegon was out of the competitive arena for 21 months after the birth of her daughter, Alyn, in 2018, which required a caesarean section. Asked what message she wanted to send her daughter and girls watching, she said: 'I think I will tell them we are not limited. We can limit ourselves with our thoughts, but I think it is possible to try everything in our lives and prove to the world that we are strong and we keep pushing. 'Thank you (to my team, my pacemakers) for helping me to achieve what many people think is impossible. I think we have proved them wrong. We keep on moving.' Keely Hodgkinson says Faith Kipyegon has 'an aura' (John Walton/PA) British 800 metres Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, who was part of the broadcast team, said: 'She's got aura. I think that was incredible to watch. She was locked in, she gave it absolutely everything. 'She still believes she is going to go out there and get closer and closer, but it's that important message that she has opened that barrier, she's left a legacy whether it happened today or not. People are going to think, maybe it is (possible) and we're going to work even harder to get close to it.'
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as boss tells WRU to change structure and Williams has big chance amid 'worry'
Today's rugby news as boss tells WRU to change structure and Williams has big chance amid 'worry' The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Tomos Williams of the British & Irish Lions (Image: Getty Images ) Here are your rugby headlines for Friday, June 27. Peel: Welsh rugby needs structure and identity Scarlets boss Dwayne Peel has told the WRU they must get the structure right and create an "identity" for Welsh rugby if the national team is to shine in years to come. A decorated former Wales scrum-half, Peel is now tasked with leading the Scarlets in adverse circumstances, with budgets slashing and the ability to compete becoming harder by the season. That being said, the Parc y Scarlets outfit enjoyed a stellar European campaign last season, defying the odds in doing so. But on the Test scene, Wales have lost 17 in a row as they touch down in Japan hoping to end that drought. But Peel believes the problems are systemic and must be resolved at the top. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. "From an international point of view, the structure in Wales has to be right for the game to flourish," he told the Daily Mail. "We need to find a DNA as our national sport. "When I look at other sports in Wales, like the football team, I think they've got an identity behind them and a feelgood factor about who they represent. That can be a big driver. There is good talent in Wales. Article continues below "We always produce good rugby players. The next Wales coach will have an opportunity to bring those players through. The regions have a role to play in that. "I do get frustrated at what is happening. But I do see positivity and there is an opportunity to get things right. We're a proud country. Over the last 20 or so years, Wales has been a successful rugby nation. "We're on a bit of a blip currently, but we need to keep striving to get back to where we belong. A high-speed tempo suits Welsh rugby and always has. "Wales were in a quarter-final of a World Cup three years ago. Sometimes, you have to go through bad periods. As a proud Welshman, I'm sad when Wales lose. But I don't think we're at a dead loss from any perspective. There is opportunity out there, we just have to get it right." Woodward: Williams has great chance amid Gibson-Park 'worry' Sir Clive Woodward has told Tomos Williams to take his chance tomorrow against the Western Force amid "concern" over the injury to Jamison Gibson-Park. The Wales scrum-half will start his first game for the Lions after impressing following his introduction off the bench in the defeat by Argentina in Dublin a week ago. Williams has now taken the nine shirt off Alex Mitchell, who started against the Pumas, and has a chance to prove to head coach Andy Farrell that he is the man who can step in should Gibson-Park, who has long been tipped to start the Tests, not return to full fitness before the Wallabies matches begin. "One concern is that Jamison Gibson-Park isn't included," Woodward wrote in his Mail column. "The Lions keep saying he's progressing well from a glute injury. "But until we see the No 9 on the field, he's a worry. I'm looking forward to seeing Tomos Williams, who gets a great chance to impress at scrum-half in his place." Woodward, who took charge of the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand two years after steering England to World Cup glory, does disagree with Farrell over one selection in particular this weekend. Woodward feels that tour captain Maro Itoje, who has not been selected, should have started against the Western Force in order for him to get his first win under his belt. However, Dan Sheehan will be the man to lead the Lions out in Perth. "After the defeat by Argentina, I'd have thought it would have been important to give Lions skipper Maro Itoje the chance to get off to a winning start in Australia," he added. "I'm surprised he's not in the team to face Western Force. If I was in Andy Farrell's shoes, I'd have started the England captain in Perth on Saturday." Farrell defends 'pest' Pocock By Duncan Bech, PA Rugby Union Correspondent, Perth Andy Farrell insists Henry Pollock has the temperament to thrive on the biggest stage after giving the England star his first start for the British and Irish Lions. Pollock made his Lions debut as a replacement in the 28-24 defeat by Ireland that opened the tour and has now been promoted to number eight for Saturday's first fixture on Australian soil against Western Force in Perth. At 20-years-old the swaggering Northampton back row is the squad's youngest player and less than six months ago he was playing in the Under 20 Six Nations. Maro Itoje described his England team-mate as a "pest" when he was called into the senior camp during the Championship and Farrell has urged him to remain fearless. "Henry's not been a pest, definitely not! He's been great," said Farrell, who has given Pollock permission to continue doing his famous try celebrations. "He's hungry to learn and that's perfect because you can see that he's got a real point of difference. "He sees things quickly and acts upon that. His line running is pretty good. His awareness of space, how sharp he is in his mind and his athletic abilities are up there with the other lads in the squad. "He's hungry to make a difference the whole time. But he also understands what parts of his game he needs to improve. He's got a great attitude. "He's certainly not overawed. I mean, I love that. You want kids to be themselves and he's just being himself. He doesn't know any different. "But he's a humble kid as well. He doesn't think he's got it all, far from it. You want people with confidence and belief because that helps when he takes the field. "You don't want a kid to go under the radar and in three weeks' time just settle into a side. You pick him for a reason. "He's a Lion just like the eldest player. There's no difference whatsoever. His character is infectious to everyone. He's a great lad." Itoje led the Lions against the Pumas in Dublin but the England captain has been stood down against the Force, resulting in Ireland hooker Dan Sheehan being placed in charge with Scott Cummings and Joe McCarthy forming the second row partnership. "It's a matter of giving people a chance. If leaders of the squad fall over along the way you have got to have plans," Farrell said. "We have got a lot of good second rows and Maro is a team player, he knows people have to get going and people have to show their hand as well. That competition will make him and the rest of the players fight a little bit harder." Finn Russell, the early favourite to take the fly-half duties for the first Test against the Wallabies on July 19, makes his first appearance of the tour, forming a half-back partnership with Tomos Williams. "Finn's game understanding and game control are top drawer. He has an ability to see space that allows him to think quicker than most," Farrell said. Hugo Keenan, Jamison Gibson-Park and James Ryan are all expected to recover from minor injuries in time for Wednesday's clash with the Reds while Toulouse full-back Blair Kinghorn should arrive into camp on Monday. Scrum-half Lewis heads for Chicago Wales international scrum-half Ffion Lewis has joined the Chicago Lions women's sevens side following her departure from the Welsh Rugby Union's professional setup. The 29-year-old, who earned 33 caps for her country, was released from her contract earlier this year and left the national squad midway through the 2025 Women's Six Nations to prioritise her mental health and explore opportunities abroad. Lewis has now signed with the Chicago Lions, one of the most successful women's sevens teams in the United States, competing at both Midwest and national levels. Her move comes after she was informed her Wales contract would not be renewed under new head coach Sean Lynn. In a post earlier this year, Lewis suggested she was 'closing the chapter' on her international career, but stressed she was 'nowhere near done with the game'. Article continues below After making her Wales debut in 2018, the former Bristol Bears player faced setbacks in recent seasons, including a serious knee injury and debilitating effects of endometriosis. Her move to the U.S. marks a new phase in her rugby journey, one she hopes will reignite her passion for the game away from the intense pressures of the international stage.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Wimbledon hopeful Jack Draper's journey from keen kid to Wimbledon hopeful
Jack Draper, 23, heads into Wimbledon as the fourth favourite to lift the trophy - here his former coach and teacher reveal all about their prodigy's incredible rise When Jack Draper steps on court at Wimbledon next week as the great British hope at SW19 - it won't just be the Centre Court crowd screaming his name. Draper, 23, is a 'hero' at his former primary school, where mum Nicky still coaches tennis, and is regularly spoken of by teachers to inspire the next generation. And if any of his matches fall during school time during the first week of The Championships - the final week of the school's term - then all the kids and staff will drop what they're doing and get in front of a TV together. Draper is now number four in the world and is our best chance of Wimbledon glory since two-time champion Andy Murray - who retired last year - was at his best. Off the court, branding expert Marcel Knobil believes Draper is such a sponsor's dream that he will go on to earn more money than Murray, who was this year valued at £110million in The Sunday Times Rich List. Dishy Draper has already had modelling gigs with publications such as Vogue and Tatler, and is sponsored by Nike, Dunlop, Vodafone and Burberry. But it is those who know Draper, or 'Drapes' best, who saw his potential from a very young age. Justin Sherring coached him for 10 years from the age of six to 16, and keeps in regular contact with his prodigy who has become a pal. 'I haven't come across many five and six-year-olds like Jack. He started competing from an early age and really identified as a tennis player,' said Justin, 54, who has coached tennis for 30 years. They still spend time together and are regularly in contact as Justin coaches fellow Brit and doubles star Joe Salisbury, and so is often at the same events as his former pupil. He was even in Draper's box when he won the Masters 1,000 tournament at Indian Wells, California, in March - his biggest title to date. That followed a run to the US Open semi-final in September. 'Professionally it's just really cool to see the end product,' Justin, the tennis director at Weybridge Tennis Academy, Surrey, told the Mirror. 'If you're a school teacher and a pupil is incredible at maths you don't necessarily witness them go on to become a top economist but for me, I get to see him play and think 'wow, that backhand is as good as we thought it would be, that serve is as good as we thought it would be'. His tennis has developed as we designed it over so many years, and it's a wonderful feeling to see. 'The focus and passion he had as a boy, and still has, and the sheer joy he got from playing. It was something else. Jack was always really, really funny, very outgoing, competitive and confident. He's a Manchester Unite fan and I support Liverpool, so we always had a laugh. 'He really used to make me giggle. He was one of those kids that turn up and you find yourself having an adult conversation with him.' Asked if they are still regularly in touch, he said: 'He just texted me a minute ago. I asked how he was feeling after his tonsillitis that affected him at Queen's and he just responded a minute ago saying he's ok, and asking how I am. 'He's always been a very polite boy. But I still see him quite a lot. I just give him a big hug and I tell him how proud I am of him, and I really am. It's great we've got that relationship still, I've seen him grow from a boy into a man - who is doing incredibly well.' Pupils and teachers at Parkside private preparatory school in Cobham, Surrey, where Draper attended until the age of 11, also brim with pride over their famous alumni. Assistant head Alex Gainer, who taught him PE and IT for four years, said down to earth Jack still has the same group of friends he made at the school as a youngster. Even at age seven Draper had to miss some schooling as he was competing all over the world, said Alex. 'He was charming and determined in everything that he did,' he said. 'He was also brilliant at football and cricket, and got on really well with his year group. Jack always comes home, back to Cobham, and is still very close with his friends from here. We knew at the time he was special but nobody could have predicted he'd be entering Wimbledon as the fourth best player in the world . 'He's a huge hero for the kids and they all know about him. They had banners made for him for the US Open semi-final when the media came down. I always keep them informed in assembly about how he's getting on. Ben, his brother and agent, was also at Parkside. They're a lovely family.' Asked if the school will be watching should a match fall during the day, he said without hesitation: 'The head teacher is a massive fan and we'll be putting it on, no doubt, so we can all support him, and we'll drop everything to do that.' He added: 'He was a joy to have in the classroom and we're so lucky to have had someone like him who's gone on to be such a role model for the children here.' After Parkside, Draper attended Reed's School, an independent secondary day and boarding school, which Tim Henman also attended, for around two years. Draper continued his studying through tutoring from the age of 14 as his future tennis career was mapped out. Branding guru Mr Knobil believes Draper's future earnings - taking into account sponsorship deals - could easily hit more than $150 million dollars - around £110 million. Draper's career prize money from tennis alone currently sits at around £6 million, according to the ATP Tour website. 'His earning potential is through the roof,' said Mr Knobil. Jack is a fantastic player and he really has it all off the court too. He's affable, good looking, fiery and very likeable.' Draper is understood to be single and has previously spoken about the 'lonely' nature of life on the gruelling ATP tour, although he is good pals with fellow Brit star Emma Raducanu. 'When Murray was at the same age - in terms of what he offered to potential brands - he didn't have what Jack has. It took Andy many years to let his personality shine," added Mr Knobil, the founder of Superbrands. 'But with Andy now retired, we have seen one hero step aside and have been joyously greeted by a new potential hero.' Mr Knobil used to judge the Sports Industry Awards alongside Draper's dad Roger, who was the Lawn Tennis Association's chief executive from 2006 to 2013. Roger also served as chief executive of Sport England from 2003 to 2006, and has been hugely influential in UK sport. During his time at Sport England, he had the responsibility of reporting to Parliament through the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. He also led a major review and reorganisation of the £450m spent on sport in the UK at the time. This included helping to oversee completion of sporting institutes and facilities. He also carried out a review of how a number of sports were governed from athletics, hockey, rugby league, golf, cricket and boxing. And he was famously involved in London's successful 2012 Olympic bid, and the building of the new Wembley Stadium. Roger and Jack's mum Nicky Entract, a former junior British tennis champ, are divorced. Mum Nicky credits her own mum - Jack's grandma Brenda - with being the person who inspired her boy to get into tennis, adding that Draper first held a racket aged just one. Brenda, herself a former tennis coach, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 10 years ago aged 70 and Draper has spoken publicly about the condition and how his beloved gran can no longer recognise him. Draper is now an active supporter of the Alzheimer's Society. He said in 2023 regarding his nan: "This is probably the saddest part for me and my family, that she no longer recognises or is able to communicate with us. Nana was a huge supporter of my tennis, and I wish she could see and appreciate all the things I've achieved so far as I know she would be very proud of me." Mr Knobil added: 'Young Jack has the benefit of tennis seeping through his veins. And also the wise and prudent council of his father who really understands the game, from a sporting and managerial perspective. 'In terms of future earnings, I think Jack will have a lot of beans to count, his beanstalk will be of a very significant nature. The Federer, Nadal, Djokovic generation is bowing out and stepping aside for the next generation - of which Jack is definitely a member.' Roger Federer is worth around £400 million and no player has yet come close to the one billion pounds mark. But with Netflix producing a number of tennis documentaries - including one on Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz recently - players' exposure is greater than ever. 'Without wanting to embellish or be over-dramatic, I believe that even if he doesn't quite reach the success levels of some of these others, I'm confident his career earnings will be over $150million (£110million). 'If all goes perfectly then one of them - Alcaraz, Sinner or Draper - because they're still so young - could potentially reach that magical billion mark. Jack has it all. And playing-wise, the catapult has been pulled, it's taught, and he's ready to be unleashed.' Away from the court Draper, a Manchester United fan, enjoys spending time with his dog, an Australian miniature labradoodle, while his favourite music to listen to includes Oasis and Stone Roses, the ATP Tour website says. En route to glory at Indian Wells in March, Draper beat Spanish superstar and reigning two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz in the semi finals. His number four seeding at Wimbledon means he would not meat Alcaraz or Italian world number one Jannik Sinner until the last four of SW19. Justin added: 'This last year has been incredibly special, he's come on leaps and bounds and doesn't seem to be climbing the ladder one rung at a time. There are three or four guys around where I think he's got to go up another level, and get into that top three, but I firmly believe he can do it. 'The Big Three era of Djokovic, Federer and Nadal is over, it would be great now to see a top three of Alcaraz, Sinner and Jack. It's something I'd dream about." Draper fell in the semi final of Queen's in three gruelling sets to talented Czech Jiri Lehecka, but it later emerged Jack was suffering tonsillitis. 'Jack's a great guy and he's very calm and confident in front of the cameras. I think he had visions of this since he was six-years-old,' said Justin. 'But make no mistake about it - he is an animal on court. An absolute monster. What he gives out there, he reminds me of Rafa (Nadal).' Justin is not getting ahead of himself as Wimbledon draws near but cannot help but feel excited by what his former student might achieve. 'I think it would be remiss of me to think it's going to be easy,' he said. 'But you do not get that ranking without being at an incredibly high level. 'If he settles in well and gets through week one, and finds his groove, then everyone knows he's capable of playing tennis as well as anybody out there - including Alcaraz and Sinner. With the British crowd behind him and if he's feeling it, who knows what might happen.'
