Lando Norris facing ‘tough conversations’ after Canadian GP warns Andrea Stella

Lando Norris has been warned to expect “tough conversations” by McLaren – after team principal Andrea Stella conceded the British driver’s confidence will have been dented by his crash with Oscar Piastri.

Norris collided with team-mate Piastri as they fought for fourth place in the closing laps of Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix.

Norris accepted full responsibility for a coming together he said made him look foolish and leaves him 22 points behind Piastri in the battle for the drivers’ title. Norris retired from the race while Piastri was able to take the chequered flag.

“This may have an impact in terms of his confidence,” said Stella.

“We will have conversations, and the conversations may even be tough, but there’s no doubt over the support we give to Lando and over the fact that we will preserve our parity and equality in terms of how we go racing at McLaren between our two drivers.

“The situation would have been different if Lando did not take responsibility and apologise.

“Lando will have to show his character to overcome this kind of episode and make sure that he only takes the learnings to become a stronger driver.”

Norris was already on the backfoot heading into Sunday’s race 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.

Nico Rosberg, who competed against Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for three seasons – eventually beating the British driver to the world title in what would prove his final act in the sport in 2016 – believes Norris is facing a dark period.

Reflecting on his own mental battles as he duelled for the