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“Sometimes I have excuses for things; I’m never proud of using any of them – and 95% of the time I think that I can do a better job, no matter what it was.”
These reflections from Lando Norris, shared during an interview on the official Formula 1 website prior to the Japanese Grand Prix, take on new significance given the tumultuous events surrounding the recent races.
In the span of three grands prix, he has faced notable challenges, failing to secure the maximum points available.
It is characteristic of this introspective driver to engage in self-reflection, often leading the way in analyzing his own missteps before his critics weigh in.
While some see this self-criticism as a flaw, for elite athletes, the key is finding what drives success. This journey of discovery is integral to their development.
Drivers entering Formula 1 before the age of 20 often mature under intense scrutiny, battling pressures and distractions from various quarters. Jenson Button didn’t clinch his first win until seven seasons in, and he faced additional challenges before finally seizing victory in 2009.
Button debuted in F1 in 2000 at just 20 years old, becoming the youngest British driver to start a grand prix amidst the fervor of public anticipation that characterized that era.
He graced the covers of both men’s magazines and newspapers, enjoying the fame, only to learn that public adoration can quickly turn to disdain if expectations aren’t met.
Lando Norris, McLaren, and George Russell, Williams Racing
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
Norris’s path differs slightly; he entered F1 amid a cohort of British drivers, alleviating some of the national expectations. However, as the sport evolves into a global phenomenon, fueled in part by the rise of ‘the Netflix effect,’ the expectations placed on drivers have shifted significantly.
After winning his first grand prix in Miami last year amidst a prolonged Red Bull dominance, Norris found himself unexpectedly thrust into the role of championship contender. McLaren took time to rally fully behind him, demonstrating the team’s initial surprise at his rapid ascension.
With McLaren now possessing the fastest car on the grid, though accompanied by handling quirks, Norris still struggles to deliver perfect qualifying laps in a season where the competitive gap among top cars has tightened.
His high-profile setbacks and moments of self-reproach have provided ample fodder for critics who perceive his emotional openness as a challenge to traditional notions of masculinity.
Everyone makes mistakes
This raises interesting parallels with Max Verstappen, who also stumbled on his journey to success after joining F1 at just 17. As time passed and he secured four world championships, past errors faded into minor details.
Back in 2017, during the Hungarian GP, Verstappen openly apologized to his then-teammate Daniel Ricciardo after an on-track incident. A year later, he experienced a more complex dynamic of accountability when he collided with both his and Ricciardo’s cars in Baku.
Verstappen has frequently voiced his regrets after races, including candid admissions about poor qualifying performances and mishaps throughout his early career.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB14 and Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing RB14 crash
Photo by: Sutton Images
Though these instances are now memories, they offer important lessons in the context of growth.
“I’ve always been very hard on myself,” Norris admitted during his interview. “I’ve never targeted my team or anyone else and instead focus on my personal development.”
This mentality brings both advantages and drawbacks, as it fosters self-improvement but can also lead to excessive negativity during challenging times.
The rivalry between Norris and Verstappen, particularly as Norris competes against teammate Oscar Piastri, showcases how their differing mentalities influence their approaches to racing challenges.
For Verstappen, issues often lie with the car and the need for team enhancements. Red Bull has acknowledged inconsistencies with its simulation tools, contributing to performance fluctuations under varying conditions. This perspective is understandable.
Conversely, Norris perceives himself as part of the problem, attempting to mold his driving style around the car’s unpredictable traits, which can impede his control during high-pressure scenarios.
Understanding where the problem lies
As team principal Andrea Stella discussed following the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where Norris fell victim to a Q3 crash, McLaren is diligently working to identify and address performance issues.
Lando Norris, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
“We had all the makings for a strong weekend,” Stella noted. “However, during Q3, when Lando pushed the car for extra speed, he encountered unexpected behavior from it, leading to his crash.”
“We are starting to get clearer data on this, revealing how our development has enhanced overall speed but may have affected predictability when pushing the limits.”
Stella believes the MCL39 offers high grip due to significant improvements in aerodynamics and suspension dynamics, but the drop-off in grip when approaching its limits can be abrupt. As development continues, Norris will need to adapt to this reality.
“There’s ample grip, but it can vanish quickly. If you increase speed slightly, you might lose it all,” he explained. “This transition is harsh, and the car’s feedback can be muted, compelling drivers to rely on instinct rather than clear cues.”
The question remains whether Piastri manages this guessing game more effectively or simply isn’t pushing the boundaries as aggressively as Norris—the topic of which Stella wisely avoids discussing publicly.
As the 2025 season looms, understanding and overcoming these challenges will be crucial for Norris if he wishes to eliminate the mistakes that have hindered his progress.
Source
www.motorsport.com