The unusual F1 record Norris could break with his first win

Lando Norris has fashioned himself into one of the strongest drivers on the Formula 1 grid, but the McLaren driver is still awaiting his maiden race victory.

His greatest chance came at the 2021 Russian Grand Prix when just a handful of laps from the end, he opted to stay out on dry tyres while rain pelted the circuit.

The track surface became too wet for the slick tyres to bear - he lost the lead to Lewis Hamilton, who was equipped with wet weather tyres, and ultimately classified in seventh place.

Norris enjoyed a successful campaign last year as he scored several podiums as McLaren recovered following a slow start.

By the end of the season, Norris had 13 podiums to his name and is now tied with Nick Heidfeld for having the most top three results without a race win.

However, you will seldom find an F1 fan who doesn't believe that Norris will endure his entire F1 career without a race win.

The Briton recently committed his future to McLaren who is targeting further steps forward in the years ahead to the point it is contending for World Championships.

Norris previously asserted that 2025 is likely the earliest point that McLaren will be in a position to do so.

Should it start the upcoming campaign in the same fashion it ended last year, podium opportunities should be aplenty for Norris this season.

Red Bull is still expected to be the runaway favourites following its recent dominant campaign and Max Verstappen will be hard to beat to the top step of the podium, as was the case in 2023.

If Norris bags another three podium results before taking his maiden victory, it will set a new record for the most podiums scored prior to a Grand Prix win.

The record is currently shared by a quartet of drivers, including two-time World Champion Mika Hakkinen.