Despite failing to win a race at Spa-Francorchamps, Lando Norris did enough to leave the Belgian circuit as the 2016 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 champion.
Norris’ third place on Saturday and second on Sunday, coupled with main rival Max Defourny enduring two tough races meant that the Josef Kaufmann Racing driver left Spa with an unassailable lead at the top of the standings, but the Briton believed his consistency throughout the season has been key to the title.
“It’s great to get the title – it was a tough Championship and to take it with a round to spare is really satisfying,” said Norris. “I finished on the podium in every race apart from two, so it shows how consistent I’ve been.
“I was in a lot of pain through a neck injury and it really affected my driving this weekend. I was really surprised to finish second when I was struggling so much. The last race was up there with one of my best.”
Norris admitted that the struggles with his neck made the weekend extremely difficult, but it did not stop him grabbing pole position on Saturday or his two podium finishes that clinched the title with two races in Estoril to go.
“I was really surprised to do as well as I did in qualifying,” said Norris. “I had to rest my head on the outside head rest to get comfortable and that really affected my vision and driving. It was the same in the second race – so I was really happy to get second place.
“I had mixed emotions getting the title. I was really pleased to get through the weekend and still take the Championship in these circumstances.”
Norris admits he is proud to add his name to the list of drivers who have won the Eurocup title, some of which have made it to Formula 1, which is the Briton’s ultimate career aim.
“It means I’ve taken the extra licence points which is another step towards my goal of getting into F1,” said Norris. “There are a lot of well known past winners who have gone onto Formula 1, so to be up there with them is a great achievement.”
