Lando Norris must learn that a prolonged stay in Formula 1 is not guaranteed as proved by the exit of Stoffel Vandoorne, former driver Johnny Herbert has claimed.
The young Briton has earned his opportunity to replace the Belgian at McLaren next season through his performances in junior categories and as a reserve driver for the Woking-based squad.
However, now that he will be on the grid in 2019, Herbert has warned that there can be no room for complacency despite being impressed by his attitude.
"I hope it's a sign, as young as they are, that they will be able to jump into an F1 seat and do the job," the current Sky Sports pundit was quoted by Motorsport.com.
"But, you always have Vandoorne's story, he had a brilliant career through the single-seater categories and gets to F1 and sadly it hasn't happened for him.
"You have to capitalise on the chance. They are young, yes, but it doesn't matter," he added. "If you don't do the job, you'll be out, and it's damn hard, unless you have a load of money in your pocket, to come back in again.
"You've got to grab it by the horns and use the situation you have to your advantage."
Also Read:
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- Norris: Vandoorne unlucky with timing of McLaren F1 opportunity
Further motivating the 18-year-old is the competition against another young Briton in George Russell in F2, with the pair battling for the title with just four races to go.
Though Norris is already getting his promotion, for the Mercedes junior the situation is more complicated, however, Herbert does think he would be worthy of making the jump too.
"If George goes on to win the championship, and personally I think he will, he should get an F1 drive," he stated.
"It's good getting this experience from F2, in this tense battle that they have been in since race one. Hopefully they will be able to use that to their advantage in F1.
"That's where the hard work really starts, it's getting that momentum and carrying that through. The confidence that gives you is so, so powerful."
