Lando Norris, the talented young British driver for McLaren, recently found himself in an embarrassing spot due to a viral moment from 2020 when he creatively sang “It’s Friday then, Saturday, Sunday, what?” during a practice session at Mugello. This catchy line quickly became an iconic phrase associated with him, endearing him to fans but also causing him to cringe whenever the tune is mentioned.
The origins of this memorable catchphrase trace back to the Tuscan Grand Prix weekend in 2020, where Norris showcased his fun and candid personality. Fans adored him not only for his impressive driving skills but also for the lighthearted banter he shared with former teammate Carlos Sainz. While Sainz famously made “Smooth Operator” his anthem, it was Norris’s spontaneous lyric that stole the show and solidified his status as a fan favorite.
Fast forward to a recent episode of Formula 1’s Tough Trivia Challenge that aired on YouTube, where Norris sat alongside his current teammate Oscar Piastri. Tasked with completing his own famous lyrics, Norris couldn’t hide his discomfort. “I hate this so much,” he exclaimed, demonstrating his reluctance to revisit the viral moment. In a playful exchange, Piastri teased him, inevitably coaxing him to sing the line, which led to Norris’s reluctant completion of “Saturday, Sunday, what?”
Following this lighthearted interaction, Norris addressed the situation directly, pleading with fans to stop playing the song associated with his past. “To all the people in the world, please never play that song when you see me, thank you very much. Disclaimer, I’ve heard enough of it,” he stated, clearly highlighting his wish to move past the catchy phrase that seems to follow him everywhere.
The significance of such viral moments is undeniable; they can become a double-edged sword for public figures. While they attract attention and endear fans, they can also lead to moments of embarrassment. Despite his discomfort, Norris recognizes that the song will likely haunt him for his entire career, a reminder of how quickly a simple moment can become a lasting emblem within the racing community.
Furthermore, fans haven’t just embraced this moment; they’ve created merchandise featuring the slogan, signifying its cultural impact. In the same quiz episode, the dynamic between Piastri and Norris shone through, showcasing their camaraderie despite the competitive environment of F1. While McLaren faces intense rivalries on the track, the partnership between these two drivers remains strong off it, underlining the team spirit that fuels their shared journey.
