Formula One driver Lando Norris has embraced an unusual superstition, claiming his facial injuries serve as a good luck talisman.
The 25-year-old McLaren racer has sustained damage to his nose on two separate occasions, each coinciding with his most significant victories in the sport.
The British driver's theory gained credence following his triumph at the British Grand Prix a fortnight ago, where post-race celebrations resulted in another facial injury.
His previous nasal mishap occurred before his breakthrough victory in Miami last May, establishing a peculiar pattern linking physical harm to racing success.
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|Formula One driver Lando Norris has embraced an unusual superstition, claiming his facial injuries serve as a good luck talisman
"I'll be able to play noughts and crosses on it soon! It's something to mark a great weekend," Norris remarked about his latest injury.
During the Silverstone victory celebrations, a photographer accidentally collided with Norris, causing a split to his nose that initially required steri strips.
The McLaren driver's injury worsened following his celebratory evening out, necessitating a medical visit the following day for stitches.
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SKY
|Lando Norris injured his nose during the British Grand Prix earlier this month
"Someone landed on me, but then my head hit something else. I thought it was the trophy but I think it was a camera," Norris explained about the incident.
The British racer marked his home victory with enthusiastic celebrations, including footage of him enjoying himself at a nightclub.
His comparison to team principal Zac Brown's tattoos was telling: "Zac has got the tattoos, and I've got scars."
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Norris' first encounter with nasal misfortune happened prior to his inaugural Formula One victory in Miami last May. During Amsterdam's Koningsdag festivities, Norris sustained a cut from broken glass whilst celebrating on a boat with companions.
The British racer appeared at the pre-race parade sporting a plaster across his nose following the incident.
The past fortnight's recovery period has positioned Norris favourably for Belgium's Sprint weekend, where he trails team-mate Oscar Piastri by merely eight points in the championship standings.
Victory in Saturday's Sprint, which offers eight points to the winner, could see him reclaim the championship lead.
Despite consecutive victories marking his first back-to-back wins in Formula One, Norris dismissed suggestions of momentum.
"I don't think that changes too much, honestly. It's so close between us, I don't think there's a momentum thing between it," he stated.
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The British driver then attributed his improved form to off-track preparation rather than psychological advantage.
"I think the work I've been doing away from the track has been paying off," Norris added.