The McLaren driver shares his challenges, goals and relentless pursuit of perfection, offering a fascinating insight into the mind of one of Formula 1's most promising talents.
One of the most loved drivers in the current Formula 1 scene is undoubtedly Lando Norris, not only for his undeniable qualities, which many consider worthy of a future world champion, but also for his casual and lively character. The British driver faces his sixth season in the top category, remaining faithful to the papaya orange color of McLaren, the team that saw him grow. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Norris stated without hesitation: “I'm not afraid of Max Verstappen”.
These words reveal the pilot's determination to clarify aspects that he believes have been misunderstood by the international press, especially in relation to his recent multi-year renewal with the Woking team and to the declarations about not wanting to be the second driver behind the current world champion.
“I firmly believe I can win a championship with McLaren, otherwise I wouldn't have renewed my contract“Norris said. “I'm not afraid of Max Verstappen. I'm convinced I can challenge him and give him a run for his money. Everyone considers him among the best, so I would like to prove my worth. I can't wait to compete with him, but for the top position, without having to lead him on."
Frankness now characterizes the modus operandi of the British rider, who also spoke of his growth and maturity in recent years, not only from a physical point of view but above all mental. Norris still retains the smile and lively look from when he entered Formula 1 in 2019, together with his self-critical spirit, especially towards himself. He has a fervent desire to understand the causes of his mistakes, to identify where he can improve and to extract the most from himself and the car he drives.
The constant search for perfection
With 108 Grands Prix under his belt, Norris wants the top step of the podium more than ever. A victory that seemed to be within reach in the 2021 Sochi GP, but a rain suddenly took the opportunity away from the British driver. Since then, Max Verstappen's dominance, which only Carlos Sainz has managed to interrupt in terms of victories, has prevented Norris from going beyond second place.
However, this does not discourage the driver at all, but rather fuels his determination to achieve excellent results and his self-critical attitude, which he considers a strength even if it may sometimes seem excessive in front of the cameras.
“I am always immersed in my thoughts. It's not that I can't concentrate, I'm adept at thinking about multiple variables and focusing on what's necessary. However, I torment myself thinking about the possible alternatives and I am not satisfied until I find answers to all my questions and doubts.”
Lando Norris at The Guardian
The goal of bringing McLaren back to glory, of achieving exceptional results together and of completing the cycle with those who gave him the opportunity to realize his dream, competing alongside and against the likes of Hamilton, Alonso and Vettel, is constantly present in Norris' mind. Every slightest mistake that endangers this goal or represents a step backwards automatically pushes him towards a process of self-analysis.
“I'm extremely self-critical and I know it may seem unattractive from the outside,” he admits. “When I watch my interviews, I always look irritated and unhappy. It's just because my mind is constantly moving, I think, 'Why did I make that mistake? What would have happened if I had acted differently? What if I had tried another path?'”
A complete driver and crucial to success at McLaren
Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, considers Norris' character one of the key elements that have contributed to his growth, transforming him into one of the most complete drivers on the current grid. “His mentality is 360 degrees,” Stella pointed out. “It goes from the driver's self-reflection analyzing the causes of negative results, up to understanding how to improve and obtain better performances.”
The confidence that Lando has gained in himself, together with his natural talent and his commitment to teamwork and continuous improvement, are the qualities that the team McLaren believes it is crucial to its future success, both individually and as a team.
But despite his incessant search for results, the driver never stops smiling, keeping his cheerful spirit intact as he immerses himself completely in what for him is much more than just a job: realize his dream in Formula 1. Lando Norris is aware that he is on the right path, in the best possible shape, to reach the finish line and obtain his long-awaited first victory, and perhaps, one day, become world champion.
