Lando Norris on 'talking crap' and mental fortitude
Lando Norris elaborated on his 'talking crap' comments, emphasizing a new mental fortitude that has fueled his back-to-back wins in Mexico and Brazil. The McLaren driver, now leading the championship by 24 points, discussed overcoming external pressures and the importance of self-belief, even facing a direct challenge from a journalist during a press conference about his honest outlook on upcoming races.
Lando Norris has shed light on his 'talking crap' remarks, made after his Brazilian Grand Prix victory, emphasizing his focus on self-improvement amid external pressures. The McLaren driver's recent back-to-back wins in Mexico and Brazil signal a significant surge in form, putting him 24 points clear in the championship with three races remaining.
Why it matters:
After a challenging start to the 2024 season and facing scrutiny, Norris's recent success highlights a critical mental shift. His ability to block out negativity and maintain focus is proving vital in a tight championship battle. This newfound resilience could be the key to him securing his first F1 title, especially given his past struggles under pressure, as seen in the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix.
The Details:
- Post-Race Comments: Following his Brazil win, Norris attributed his strong performance to "ignoring everyone that talks crap about you and just focus on yourself." He later clarified that this wasn't directed at anyone specific but generally at those who try to "bring you down."
- Public Image vs. Performance: Norris admitted that he "cared too much" about public perception and how he was portrayed in the media earlier in the year, which he felt negatively impacted his performance.
- He emphasized learning to be "true to yourself and have confidence in yourself, believe in yourself and speak your mind," rather than completely disregarding others' opinions.
- Immediate Test of Fortitude: During the post-race press conference, a journalist challenged Norris's skepticism about McLaren's chances in Las Vegas, suggesting he adopt a more 'protagonist' mindset for the title race.
- Norris firmly retorted, stating, "I can say what I want. I can think what I want." He defended his honest assessment based on past performance data for McLaren in Vegas, asserting he wouldn't "lie and say, 'Yeah, I'm very confident,'" if he genuinely wasn't.
The Big Picture:
Norris's journey this season reflects a significant evolution in his mental approach to racing. Moving from being heavily influenced by external perceptions to embracing self-belief and honesty marks a pivotal growth period. This mental toughness, combined with McLaren's improved car, makes him a formidable contender in the championship's final stages.
What's next:
With the championship entering its final three rounds, Norris's ability to maintain this focus and mental resilience will be crucial. His honest, albeit sometimes pessimistic, outlook on upcoming races like Las Vegas will be tested. How he continues to navigate external pressure and media scrutiny while delivering on track will define his championship bid.