Lando Norris’s candid self-assessment at the Belgium GP reveals his harsh self-criticism, potentially seen as extreme by onlookers.
Lando Norris is increasingly renowned in the Formula 1 paddock for his intensely self-critical nature, which some might even term self-flagellation.
The most recent instance occurred at the latest Grand Prix in Belgium, where the McLaren F1 driver confessed to having “ruined his race” by making a solo error at the first corner after the start.
In an attempt to dodge a potential collision with a competitor, he veered too wide, drove two wheels onto the gravel, and consequently lost several positions.
Though he is exceedingly harsh on himself, Norris sees this as a strength, even though he acknowledges it can appear “sometimes extreme to the public.”
“I’ve got the right balance; I’m very happy. I do what’s best for me. Not everyone might agree, as we all have different views,” he told RTBF.
“I’m just here to win and give my best in every session, so when I don’t, I’m disappointed. I’ve always lived this way, and that’s why I live; I’ve been doing this for twenty years. When I make a mistake, I’m disappointed. But I take it positively because it helps me improve.”
Norris has faced criticism for his stance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he long refused to comply with end-of-race instructions.
“There needs to be a good balance between the team and oneself. I’ve always been a team player; I enjoy spending time with my team. It wouldn’t be as enjoyable if I just got into the car, drove, and went home afterward. I like to celebrate with them after a good result, for example.”
“But on the other hand, it’s my career and my life, so you have to be selfish. Every driver’s job is to beat the others. If you don’t beat them, they beat you. There are only 20 seats in F1, but many others want them. If you don’t perform, you can quickly be off the grid.”
“It’s harsh, but you have to be selfish, not think about others, and focus on what’s best for you. And the best way to do that is to work as a team, which sometimes includes your teammate. It’s a balance. I fight for myself, but also for the team.”
Does he begin to question the possibility of friendship between two drivers? The initial duels with Max Verstappen were tough…
“It’s not easy because when you’re on the track, you want to beat everyone. It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend or someone you speak to less. All of that is forgotten.”
“But off the track, I can find friends and have a good time with them. People often ask me about my relationship with Max. It’s not particularly easy; it’s not as if we talk every day.”
“We just want to race and go home to enjoy our lives. Then, we play padel or golf; we’re normal people. We want to have fun. But when we get in the car, we forget everything.”
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Lando Norris Admits Error at Belgium GP Ruined Race Lando Norris Admits Error at Belgium GP Ruined Race
