Norris reveals his struggle with increased expectations and the mental rigours of Formula 1.
Outpacing Max Verstappen by more than 20 seconds at Zandvoort, Lando Norris has unequivocally signaled his ascendancy to the competition, seemingly becoming the new figurehead in the paddock, a position reminiscent of Verstappen’s earlier this year.
Does Lando Norris feel his status has shifted?
“Probably not as much as you might think,” he told the press today at Monza.
“I think it’s because I really struggled with the pressure when I first started in Formula 1, during my first, second, and third years. Because it was so tough back then, I feel I’ve learned to handle it well.”
“It has also helped me in my current position, where I might not be directly in the fight for the championship, but I am competing closely with Max.”
“I have to deal with more questions and the pressure from everyone expecting me to perform every weekend. I also know that I need to deliver each weekend.”
“But having had a bit of a struggle with this in the past has helped me manage the situation better today. As a result, it doesn’t really affect me much.”
Lando Norris is prepared to embrace this intense pressure; indeed, the McLaren F1 driver has no choice, and he is well aware of it.
“There’s always pressure, and I know there’s a lot of it. Within the team, I’ve probably faced a bit more pressure. Outside, the pressure will be greater.”
“But it’s also up to me to manage this pressure in the way that suits me best. At the same time, I don’t really feel it. I’m comfortable and just need to go out on the track and drive.”
“That’s all I can do. Not think about these external things. Now, in the position I am, fighting for wins and for the championship, it feels like just another weekend.”
Lando Norris has consistently been candid about mental health issues, a topic on which he has been a trailblazer. Indeed, Formula 1 is a sport that can be nerve-wracking… And once again, he shares his feelings.
“I think there’s always pressure, and that’s the most important part.”
“I’m still just as nervous during qualifying. For the races, I’m still excited and nervous. I don’t eat anything on Sundays. And I find it hard to drink on Sundays. Simply because I’m nervous, just because of the pressure.”
“I think it’s just about how to turn that into something positive. How do you not let it negatively affect you?”
“How do you use it wisely to help you focus on the right things, etc. I’m sure that’s what I’m doing now. I’ll probably do it forever.”
This time, to alleviate the pressure and unlike in Miami, Lando Norris didn’t have a weekend off to celebrate his second F1 victory.
“Yes, I went home, had dinner, and went to bed. So it wasn’t very exciting at all. But it was just a good feeling. And that’s the most important thing.”
An easy victory on the horizon at Monza… or not?
Can he aim for a third career victory and his second in a row this weekend at Monza? With a 20-second lead, Lando Norris is the favorite… Or will Max Verstappen’s DRS make the difference?
“Monza is a very different circuit. Yes, Zandvoort gives the team a good dose of confidence. It’s always a little boost, but it doesn’t change your feeling. We know we’ve been performing well all year since Miami. We’ve done a great job. And this weekend, everything went perfectly.”
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Norris Discusses Heightened Pressure After Status Shift Norris Discusses Heightened Pressure After Status Shift
