Christian Horner Sees Shades of Jenson Button in Lando Norris

Christian Horner, the former Red Bull team principal, recently shared his admiration for McLaren's Lando Norris, likening the young driver's style to that of 2009 F1 champion Jenson Button. According to Horner, Norris possesses a natural speed and a fluid driving style that makes handling the car look effortless. This comparison to Button, known for his smooth and efficient driving, highlights the high regard in which Norris is held.

Norris clinched the 2025 championship in a nail-biting finish, edging out Max Verstappen by a mere two points. Despite Horner's departure from Red Bull midway through the season, Verstappen mounted a formidable challenge, winning six of the last ten races. However, Norris and McLaren had already established a dominant lead, securing 14 wins that season. Fast forward to 2026, and things haven't been as rosy for McLaren. The team has slipped to the fourth-fastest car on the grid, trailing Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull.

Despite the car's limitations, Norris has managed to shine, winning consecutive races in Budapest and Zandvoort. Yet, McLaren's pace has waned in recent races, with Norris securing the team's sole podium in the last five outings at Madrid. The internal dynamics haven't helped either; Norris nearly collided with teammate Oscar Piastri in Malaysia before an actual collision occurred in Singapore, costing the team valuable points and drawing ire from McLaren's leadership, including Zak Brown and Andrea Stella.

Currently, Norris sits sixth in the standings, a distant 139 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli. Although his title defense seems unlikely, Norris's performances have often surpassed what McLaren's car is capable of delivering. Horner isn't the only one to see similarities with Button. Mercedes's Andrew Shovlin has also praised Norris for his ability to manage rear tires under demanding conditions, a skill Button was well-known for.

Button himself has been impressed by Norris's attitude, particularly after the Singapore incident with Piastri. Norris's willingness to take responsibility earned him respect, but he'll need to focus on keeping Red Bull at bay as the season progresses, with Red Bull just seven points behind McLaren in the standings. Horner noted that Norris's success depends on having the right tools, much like his championship-winning season. As the season unfolds, Norris's ability to channel his inner Button will be crucial in maintaining McLaren's competitive edge.