Lando Norris: 'I Cared Too Much About Public Opinion'

Lando Norris, now leading the Formula 1 world championship with three Grands Prix remaining, has opened up about how he's learned to manage public and media scrutiny, explaining he previously "cared too much about what people said."

Why it matters:

After a mid-season slump where he trailed teammate Oscar Piastri for 15 consecutive rounds, Norris has dominated recently, scoring 115 points to Piastri's 57 over the last six races. This mental shift highlights a crucial aspect of high-performance sport: the ability to block out external noise and maintain focus. For a driver on the cusp of a potential world championship, this newfound resilience could be the defining factor in his title bid.

The Details:

• Mid-Season Turnaround: Norris attributed his improved performance to ignoring negative comments, stating, "Just ignore everyone that talks crap about you! Just focus on yourself."
• Coping with Criticism: His comments came shortly after being booed by fans at the Mexican Grand Prix podium, an experience he described as "not the nicest thing."
• Past Impact of External Opinions: Norris admitted, "I cared a lot about people's perspectives and how I'm portrayed and things in the media. I probably cared too much – even at the beginning of the year, I think I cared too much, and probably it was affecting me in not the best ways."
• Newfound Confidence: He emphasized learning "just to be true to yourself, have confidence in yourself, believe in yourself, and speak your mind." This involves "keeping my head down and concentrating on myself."
• Downplaying Turning Point: Despite leading the championship by 24 points after his seventh win in Brazil, Norris doesn't see it as a turning point, viewing it as "just another weekend" of achieving strong results. He cautioned against getting "too happy or excited just yet."

The Big Picture:

Norris's journey reflects a common challenge for athletes in the public eye: balancing self-belief with external expectations. His ability to compartmentalize and focus internally has evidently fueled his recent surge in performance, transforming him from a promising talent into a genuine championship contender. This mental fortitude is often what separates champions from contenders, and Norris appears to be developing it at a critical juncture in his career.

What's next:

With only three races remaining in the season, Norris's psychological resilience will be tested like never before. Maintaining this focused mindset, free from the distractions of public opinion, will be paramount as he navigates the high-pressure environment of a championship fight. His ability to "keep his head down" and execute under pressure will determine if he can convert his current lead into a maiden Formula 1 world championship.