Norris on Pressure: “I Want It Too Much, I Must Relax”

McLaren’s Lando Norris reflects on his mindset struggles, admitting that chasing perfection has added pressure rather than boosting performance.

Is Lando Norris mentally fragile under pressure? Is he struggling not only against Max Verstappen but also against his own McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri?

His start to the season has only fueled doubts. Mistakes in qualifying sessions have raised questions in the paddock about whether Norris truly has the mentality of a future world champion.

Still, Norris insists he has grown significantly. Speaking to the FOM, he explained that last season, when he was the closest challenger to Verstappen for the title, was a turning point for him.

“During the second half of last year, I learned the most about racing at the front, performing under pressure, and fighting the best in the world,” Norris said.
“We learn a lot more when we are competing at the top compared to when we are fighting at the back.”

But he admits he made mistakes, like in the rain at Interlagos.
“Could I have made better decisions? Yes. Did I? No. Max deserved that championship, and I didn’t.”

Now, with all that experience behind him, is he ready to truly challenge Verstappen and Piastri for the crown? Mentally, is he in the right place?

“I am happy I went through those experiences because they helped me become a better driver. I feel much more prepared now,” he said.
“Everyone is different. Some drivers adapt naturally. Others, like me, have to learn through experience.”

“Even though it was my sixth season, it was still a massive learning curve. Last year was critical for understanding my strengths, weaknesses, and how to become a complete driver.”

Norris: An Introvert Behind the Smiles

Despite his fun-loving public image, Norris says he’s naturally reserved.
“People see me smiling on camera, but deep down, I’m very reserved,” he explained.
“I like staying in my own space. I’m quiet most of the time and enjoy thinking in my own head. I am a massive introvert.”

That introversion, he says, made him highly self-aware.
Like Charles Leclerc, Norris is his own harshest critic. He often calls himself “stupid” or “an idiot” for mistakes, even minor ones.

Could this self-criticism sometimes backfire under pressure?
“If you look at my interviews, even when it’s clear the car isn’t good enough, I would never say, ‘the car was bad, and I drove great’. That’s not me,” Norris said.
“I grew up always blaming myself first. I never blamed my car, my team, or my engineers.”

“I’ve always focused more on improving myself rather than pointing fingers at others. That mindset made me who I am today,” he added.
“But there are pros and cons. Being so tough on myself drives me to improve, but it can also pull me down into a negative spiral.”

Stronger Through Struggles

According to Norris, he has learned to use that attitude positively, especially over the past year.
“I have worked on turning that self-criticism into something positive. I wasn’t good at it before, but now I’m much better,” he said.

“Both in F1 and in my personal life, I feel I’m in the best place I’ve ever been. I know I’ll make mistakes and disappoint myself, but I’m excited and confident to show up and do my best every weekend.”

However, he admits he is currently pushing himself too hard.
“I am probably putting too much pressure on myself at the moment, not because of the championship or anything like that,” Norris admitted.
“I just want to do so well. I want to be on pole, I want to win, I want to be perfect.”

“But I need to accept that I won’t be perfect. Right now, I’m making mistakes because I’m trying too hard to be flawless.”
“I need to relax a little and trust my own speed more. My pace in Saudi Arabia and every race this season has been some of my best.”

Looking ahead, Norris knows where he must improve most: qualifying.
“I’m very confident I can win races if I just give myself a better starting position on Saturday.”

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Norris on Pressure: “I Want It Too Much, I Must Relax”
Norris on Pressure: “I Want It Too Much, I Must Relax”