Lando Norris, the rising star of McLaren, shared candid insights on his journey towards challenging for the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship. Despite feeling more prepared than ever, Norris admitted he “wasn’t at the level needed” during the early part of the season.
Norris’s Season: A Rollercoaster Journey
As one of the closest challengers to reigning champion Max Verstappen, Norris experienced a mix of highs and lows. His chances were significantly affected after a tough Brazilian Grand Prix, where he dropped from pole to a sixth-place finish. In contrast, Verstappen’s remarkable ascent from 17th to first in São Paulo showcased the immense challenge Norris faced in the title race. An impending victory at the Las Vegas GP could soon confirm Verstappen’s fourth successive crown.
Key Reflections from Norris
Reflecting on the season, Norris acknowledged his current position. “Not a lot has changed, honestly,” he expressed, accepting the reality of the standings post-Brazil. “I kind of know the position I’m in now and have less to lose.” This realisation was particularly poignant after Brazil, marking the largest points gap he faced this year.
*”Post-Brazil was a tough one for me. My real fight for the title was slimmed. It was a tricky one, but my approach has been correct,”* he remarked.
Learner’s Mindset Leads the Way
Despite setbacks, Norris believes he has demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level. Reflecting on the lessons learned, he said, *”This is our first opportunity to fight at the front and truly see where I stand. I wasn’t at the level needed at the start of the season.”*
He highlighted improvements since the summer break, *”Since then, I feel like I have done a good job and performed very, very well, with some of the best performances of my career. I wouldn’t change many things, but there remain areas for improvement.”*
Confident Steps Towards the Future
Norris feels more prepared than ever for a championship fight. *”For the first time, I am confident that I have what I need to fight for a championship,”* he stated optimistically, recognising that perfection is still a journey away.
His reflections on the current title tussle with Verstappen, comparing it to a chess match, revealed his awareness of the challenge: *”It’s very out of reach at the moment. It’s check and I’m all alone, with Max having all his pawns ready to attack.”*
What Lies Ahead?
As the season wraps up, Norris’s focus shifts to capitalising on his learnings and building momentum. While the dream of a championship title seems elusive this year, his growth and insights lay a solid foundation for the forthcoming seasons.
