Carlos Sainz addresses Lando Norris criticism: 'Everyone can keep dreaming'

Carlos Sainz has defended Lando Norris' approach to F1 following the Briton's title success in Abu Dhabi earlier this month.

Norris ended the year two points ahead of Max Verstappen to seal his maiden F1 campaign, defeating the Dutchman and McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri to the crown.

Throughout the year, Norris has been open and honest about the struggles he has endured, while in the past, he publicly discussed his mental health concerns.

It marked a different tune to how other champions have conducted themselves in years gone by, with some suggesting it was Norris showing weakness.

Sainz, who partnered Norris for two seasons at McLaren, argued in favour of  the 26-year-old.

“I'm very happy for him. I think he's a great F1 driver,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

“[He's] unbelievably fast, but with his particular way of going about life and things.

“As much as he got criticised a lot during the last few years for being how he is, he is a world champion.

“Everyone can keep dreaming about being an F1 world champion, while he goes about his own way and does things his own way.”

Norris' title chances took a major hit when a mechanical issue forced him to retire from the Dutch Grand Prix, allowing Piastri to take hold of a large lead in the standings.

However, a strong run of form in the last quarter of the year saw him rise to the top of the standings and see off a late challenge from Verstappen.

“I'm extremely happy for him, because he must have felt a lot of pressure over the last few weekends,” Sainz added.

“He managed to pull it off.”