F1 star Lando Norris explains his break from social media, aiming to regain control, reduce stress, and stay focused on performance.
Lando Norris seems to be listening. After recent comments from former Formula 1 drivers and seasoned pundits, the McLaren driver appears to be pulling back from the spotlight, at least online.
Once the team’s frontrunner, now trailing behind Oscar Piastri, Norris has often been praised for his honesty and humor. But that same openness has made him a target. Critics say he’s too emotional, too self-deprecating. F1 legend Alain Prost recently weighed in, calling public vulnerability a mistake. For Prost, mental strength is 80 percent of a driver’s performance.
Discover More>Piastri Outsmarts Norris in McLaren’s Mental Duel
“Today, everything is shared, everything is visible. Others choose to stay quiet—and I think they’re right,” Prost said. “Oscar barely speaks. He’s naturally reserved, disappears between races, and escapes the pressure.”
After facing backlash for radio comments and his off-track demeanor in Miami, Lewis Hamilton also took a step back, unfollowing everyone on Instagram. When asked about it, Norris kept it brief.
“Lewis can do whatever he wants. Good for him.”
Then Norris revealed that he, too, has stepped away from social media. His last Instagram post to nearly 10 million followers was over a week ago. His X (formerly Twitter) account has been silent for almost a year.
“I’ve been off social media for a few weeks. It’s not something I enjoy or need,” he explained. “It’s my life. I do what I want. I still text my friends, but social media feels like a waste of time and energy.”
Instead, he’s filling his days with golf, training, and trying to stay productive.
Still, he denies that recent criticism pushed him offline.
“People will think that, but honestly, I don’t care. Think what you want.”
On the track, Norris has been under pressure. Critics say he’s too cautious in wheel-to-wheel battles, distracted by the weight of a possible championship fight. Meanwhile, Piastri has quietly gained ground.
But Norris isn’t rattled.
“I’m not worried, and I don’t overthink it. Things can change quickly. Oscar’s done a great job, but he’s just another competitor in the same team colors.”
He also admits Piastri may simply be better suited to the current McLaren car.
“Obviously, I’m not happy with how things are going right now. But let’s see how the upgrades work out.”
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has made his preference clear, he’s backing Piastri in the McLaren intra-team battle. Asked for his view, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff had a more balanced take.
“Before the season, I’d have picked Norris. He’s got experience and speed,” Wolff said. “But I still see both of them as potential title contenders.”
- Discover More>FP3: Norris Quickest, Soft Tyres Raise Concerns
- Follow us on >FACEBOOK and >TWITTERfor F1 update