Lando Norris avoids becoming 'Baldo' but deserves praise for his charity stunt

So he only went and did it, although it was perhaps not quite what everybody expected.

After promising to shave off his hair if he raised over $12,000 during one of his online Twitch streams, Lando Norris did eventually take the electric clippers to his curly locks - but opted for more of a crewcut instead.

The vow led to the hashtag 'BaldoNorris' surfacing and many photoshopped pics of the 20-year-old McLaren driver with no hair. Yet Norris stopped short of a true 'slaphead' look.

"It doesn't suit me, it just doesn't," Norris said after getting rid of his previously curly style, and as a remarkable 36,000 looked on via the stream.

Norris deserves all the praise that comes his way for taking the initiative in these strange times.

Wearing a McLaren hoodie, Norris did at least take time out to acknowledge his team, that became the first in F1 this week to furlough its staff.

Furlough is a scheme brought in by the UK government to assist companies through financial difficulties as a result of the current coronavirus crisis, so guaranteeing the future employment of its employees.

Norris, along with fellow driver Carlos Sainz, CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andreas Seidl, have all taken pay cuts.

"Big up McLaren who are not at work or anything any more," said Norris.

"It's all to get everyone that's been working at McLaren, and of course Carlos, myself, everyone back to work asap.

"Everyone worked so hard over the winter to get everything ready for the season, and now we're all stuck in our homes.

"I just want to say a big thanks to everyone in the team for everything they've done for us coming into this season.

"I hope to get back to driving as soon as possible and working again with everyone."

Related

Lando Norris

Norris RETURNS F1 rival’s secret Santa gift

• Yesterday 18:58

Latest F1 News

FIA issue statement on CONTROVERSIAL Norris penalty

• December 3, 2024 09:12