Lando Norris, who claimed the Formula 1 World Championship title last season, admits that the victory was not without its internal struggles. The McLaren driver confessed that he frequently doubted himself during the season, in the neck-and-neck race with teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen: “I thought: maybe they are just a bit better.”
In a candid interview with BBC Sport, Norris reflects on the doubts that plagued him. Norris: “At times, I didn’t always have the greatest confidence in myself. Even this year, there were certainly moments when Oscar performed better than I did and I wasn’t doing well enough. Then I thought: ‘Maybe they are just a bit better. Maybe they can be more consistent and get more out of the car.'”
‘You were wrong, you can do it’
These thoughts were replaced by relief and pride once the championship was secured, the Brit continues. “I sometimes thought it just wasn’t in me. The fact that I have now achieved this for myself essentially says: ‘ah, you were wrong, you can do it’. That’s an incredible feeling.”
The world title has not only brought him sporting recognition but also personal insights. “I wouldn’t call myself a selfish person, but I’ve also learned that in certain situations I need to be more selfish with my feelings and thoughts. That’s what I need to ultimately become a better and stronger driver.”
