Norris reveals mentorship from Hamilton and Vettel on path to F1 title

Lando Norris has revealed that confidential advice from champions like Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel was a key part of his mental transformation on the way to securing his first Formula 1 World Championship. The McLaren driver clinched the title by finishing third in Abu Dhabi, edging out Max Verstappen by two points to become the sport's 35th champion, McLaren's first since 2008, and Britain's first since Hamilton in 2020.

Why it matters:

In a sport where mental fortitude is as critical as car performance, Norris's deliberate outreach to proven champions underscores a modern, collaborative approach to achieving peak performance. His success validates the importance of mentorship and psychological resilience, showing that even at the pinnacle of individual competition, seeking external wisdom can be the difference between winning and losing a championship.

The details:

• Norris confirmed he actively sought counsel from multiple world champions during the season, specifically naming Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. "Many know that I speak with Seb about things," Norris said.
• He also received guidance from MotoGP legend Casey Stoner, highlighting his search for winning mentality across motorsport disciplines.
• Hamilton offered crucial, simple advice before the Abu Dhabi finale, telling Norris to change nothing in his approach.
• Norris implemented specific mental changes in the second half of the season, including turning off the delta timing display in qualifying to reduce pressure and reducing his media duties to maintain focus.
• His described formula was to "act the same every weekend, try to make it look almost boring, and yet enjoy it as much as possible."

The big picture:

Norris's title marks a significant shift for McLaren, ending a 17-year championship drought and cementing the team's return to the front of the grid. His journey mirrors Hamilton's own first title with McLaren in 2008, creating a symbolic link between Britain's most recent champions. The Abu Dhabi race itself highlighted the fine margins of his success; a controversial on-track moment with Yuki Tsunoda, which resulted in a penalty for the AlphaTauri driver, nearly jeopardized the vital third-place finish Norris needed.

What's next:

As the newly crowned champion, Norris now faces the challenge of defending his title. The mentorship and mental frameworks he developed this season will be tested under the increased pressure and scrutiny that comes with being champion. His approach has set a new precedent for how drivers can leverage experience beyond their own garage to achieve the ultimate goal in Formula 1.