Lando Norris remains perplexed by relentless criticism, citing misconceptions and a determination from some to undermine his truth.
Norris faces extensive criticism, accused at times of being too cautious on track, overly aggressive, overly confident, or lacking self-belief. The McLaren F1 driver struggles to understand the persistent negativity, especially when it questions his humility.
“I find it a bit strange because I’ve read all these things,” Norris said. “For some of them, I don’t understand how people could have that perception. That’s where I always come back to the people who know me, who know it’s not true.”
“When people think my ego is too big or something like that, it couldn’t be further from the truth, especially when I’m driving. Maybe sometimes I choose the wrong words or something like that, and people use it against me.”
Norris acknowledges he has changed since his debut but doesn’t understand why some seek an alternative narrative: “I think there are more and more people in the world who don’t want to listen to the truth, and sometimes, when I speak the truth or facts, people don’t want to agree or want to prove me wrong.”
“I find it odd because I feel like I haven’t changed. Maybe I’ve changed in some ways… There are definitely things that have changed. I don’t joke around or do as many fun things as I used to, and I think people liked that and maybe don’t like me as much now because I don’t do it anymore.”
The Briton admits he struggles to grasp the wave of criticism directed at him: “I’ve always been honest when I’ve done a good or a bad job. When I know I’ve done something wrong, or someone tells me I’ve done something wrong, I always accept it and acknowledge it in the right way.”
“But when I know for sure I haven’t done something and people make it into something or twist it into something I’ve done, that’s something I don’t understand—especially the amount of negativity I get these days. I almost want to say it’s without reason.”
“It leaves me a bit perplexed. I have no issue with people having different opinions, but saying things that are incorrect is probably what I don’t understand and what frustrates me the most.”
“But it doesn’t affect my daily life in any way. I’m very happy with the people around me, my group. They’re the ones who are the most honest with me, who tell me when I’m doing well or not, or if I’m being an idiot or not.”
Norris is ready to fight for the championship in 2025, and he believes it will be his first season as a genuine title contender: “It’s very clear. As a team, we know next year will be the year—probably the first since I’ve been in Formula 1—where I can say, ‘We’re fighting for the title.’”
“I’m very happy to have stayed with the team I believed in, even when many people didn’t. That everything has come together, despite how hard it sometimes was to believe we could take two steps forward, then fall back, then catch up again, then let the gap grow, is incredible.”
“There were moments when I questioned what was best for my future and what I wanted to do. The fact that we’ve managed to beat Red Bull, when less than 12 months ago they were having the most dominant season, is an incredible achievement.”
“I’m glad I went through the hardest moments, even though I could have chosen an easier path, going to other teams. The team understands that too—the journey we’ve been on together—and I think they value it, which is probably what makes me the happiest about all of this.”
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Lando Norris Faces Scrutiny: “Truths Get Twisted” Lando Norris Faces Scrutiny: “Truths Get Twisted”
