In just a few races, the Woking team managed to develop their car, making it the fastest and most complete on the grid. What inevitably followed was a fundamental change of pace for their ambitions, both for the team and the drivers. A completely new situation for everyone, which however in this 2024 season is also highlighting the weaknesses of the protagonists: above all Lando Norris. Currently second in the Formula 1 world rankings with 199 points, he is under siege from numerous criticisms regarding his performance on the track, given the numerous wasted opportunities.
A question arises spontaneously: is he a rider ready to fight for the title?
With great power comes great responsibility: wasted opportunities
Using this universal quote (I hope you know it), it comes naturally to associate it with McLaren and, in particular, to Norris. The team and the talent of its drivers are a winning combination to give the champions a run for their money. However, a situation that increases the pressure.
Norris, considered the leader of the team, had a car capable of competing for victory for the first time in his career. However, on several occasions, he failed to capitalize on this opportunity (not just his fault of course).
In these cases, the factor linked to the driver's personality and consequent performance on the track comes into play, especially in certain situations. A mix of elements responsible for missed victories and lackluster weekends, with a loot lower than the potential shown. This is the truth behind the many missed successes in recent months. If in Canada it was strategic errors by the team that compromised a possible success, from Spain we saw how the Englishman does not know how to handle pressure in key moments.
The lack of clarity combined with carelessness have made him return to the quicksand which condemns him to the role of eternal second. A situation that has always affected his mental serenity and which, in fact, makes him a nervous driver on the track and who makes careless actions that are not up to his talent.
Never being able to keep the lead in the race by starting from pole right from the first corner, giving in to the opponents' games... The mental factor is becoming decisive, even more so in this season which Lando could live as a protagonist.
Lando Norris and his struggle with mental health
This situation has made him more vulnerable on and off the track and exposed him to threats that he already had to face in 2019, the year of his F1 debut.
It is often precisely the mental aspect of each professional athlete that, almost always, remains excluded in the examination of enthusiasts and professionals. On this, Lando Norris must be given credit for being the driver who has always debated this topic, which is as delicate as it is fundamental, since the dawn of his career.
Mental health management is a delicate topic for him, who has experienced first-hand everything that involves depression, a disorder he suffered from in his two-year rookie year. A theme that always comes up every time we talk about his performances and which, despite his talent, never sees him associated with the word Champion.
Many people talk about it, some say he needs a mental coach... Only he can respond to this.
Objectives and strategy for the continuation of the 2024 season
Working on mental health and the strength that comes from it could help Norris improve his performances in the second half of the season. If he wants to compete with Verstappen and keep the title fight alive, the speed, performance of the MCL38 and his talent may not be enough. It's no coincidence that even some of their colleagues don't see Lando as champion this season, last to speak Alexander albon.
Norris knows that, to get close to the top, he must work on himself and maximize his abilities. The 2024 season has taught him valuable lessons, and the British rider is determined to use them to grow and compete at the highest level in the coming seasons. However, McLaren's strategy will be crucial to transform this determination into concrete results.
And considering the performance of the MCL38, Lando Norris remains one of the most solid drivers at Fanta F1, going from 37 to 38 credits. The haul of points he brings to the players could thus lead to a bittersweet end to the season for him.
The Dutch Grand Prix is upon us, right at the home of his direct opponent he can reverse course. Which Lando Norris will we see?
