Jolyon Palmer makes surprise pick for F1 'driver of the season' after Dutch Grand Prix

Jolyon Palmer has identified Lando Norris as the standout driver of the season following his impressive victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite not being in the championship mix earlier in the season, Norris's recent performances have showcased his potential, especially with the upgrades made to his McLaren car. Palmer argues that Norris's ability to extract maximum performance from his vehicle sets him apart from his competitors, including Kimi Antonelli and George Russell, who are now under pressure from Norris's resurgence.

Palmer also highlighted the impact of reliability issues faced by Antonelli and the early-season struggles of McLaren, which have not hindered Norris as much as they have affected Antonelli's points tally. As the season progresses, Norris's consistent wins could position him as a serious contender for the championship, especially if he maintains his form at upcoming races like Monza.