Norris vs Verstappen: A New F1 Contender Rises for the Crown

Lando Norris, just 52 points behind Verstappen, eyes his first F1 championship with relentless determination and focus.

But has his life really changed under this increased pressure? Is he a different driver, perhaps even a different man, since becoming a title contender?

The McLaren F1 driver’s response to the New York Times is straightforward.

“Many people might think my life has changed, but it hasn’t. I still work weekends.”

Fighting for a title, one might expect the Briton to feel more pressure. Yet, on the contrary, Norris appears to remain grounded, continuing to work as he always has.

“I don’t think to myself now: ‘Oh my God, I have to do this because I’m fighting for a title.’ I honestly don’t view it that way at all.”

However, the McLaren F1 driver does acknowledge that this title battle with Max Verstappen has profoundly changed him. But how exactly?

“It’s definitely helped me become a better and more complete driver,” he explains.

“Because of my current position in the championship, I’m experiencing things I never have before. I’m probably working harder than I ever have, in every area, to try and improve and eliminate as many weaknesses as possible.”

“It’s really about putting a bit more pressure on myself to make the right decisions at the right time, knowing that some choices carry greater significance.”

So how has Norris learned to cope with this pressure and these decisive moments? By going up against the best drivers, of course!

Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen… every battle is a lesson for him, no matter how tough, like in Austria.

“They have far more experience. They’ve spent much more time in Formula 1. But it’s mostly about going through situations and managing moments I’ve never encountered before. It’s not just that they’ve driven a car longer, meaning they can drive it better. It’s about handling certain situations, whether facing an opponent or making critical decisions.”