- McLaren driver moved to speak out by Naomi Osaka withdrawal
- ‘F1 are going down the right path but 23 races is not a help’
Britain’s Lando Norris has expressed fears that the 2021 Formula One season may exert a heavy toll on the mental health of its teams’ personnel. With Naomi Osaka drawing attention to mental-health issues around professional sport, Norris voiced his concern before this weekend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix, a meeting that forms part of the longest season in F1 history.
The McLaren driver is enjoying a hugely competitive season and is currently third in the drivers’ championship. He and McLaren may be riding high but Norris was moved to highlight his disquiet over the demands of a 23-race season by Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open.
Related: Lewis Hamilton criticises backlash against Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal