Lando Norris Feels the Pressure of Formula 1
World Championship contender Lando Norris admits that he finds it challenging to eat and drink on Formula 1 race days due to the nerves and pressure he faces to perform well.
The 24-year-old McLaren driver is aiming to challenge Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for the title this season and has shared that he “gets so nervous” before qualifying sessions. However, he believes he has improved in managing these feelings compared to when he first entered F1.
Norris explained, “There is always pressure. I barely eat anything on Sundays. I struggle to drink on Sundays. It’s all because of nerves and pressure.” He emphasized the importance of finding a way to turn that pressure into a positive force: “How do you not let it affect you negatively, and instead use it to focus on the right things?”
Heading into this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, Norris is trailing Verstappen by 70 points, following Verstappen’s recent dominant win in the Netherlands—his second victory of the season.
“I know there is more pressure now; the team will feel it too, and there will be more external pressure on me,” Norris stated. “But it’s up to me to manage it in a way that feels best for me, and honestly, I don’t feel it that much. I’m comfortable knowing that I just have to get out there and drive. From my perspective, fighting for wins and championships, it feels like just another race weekend.”
Norris also pointed out the high stakes involved in qualifying, noting the challenge of making costly mistakes: “When you enter Q3 or any qualifying lap, the butterflies hit every single time. It’s so nerve-racking and pressurized. One little misstep—a late brake or a timing issue—can end your chances.” He acknowledged that while stressful, this feeling is uniquely exhilarating: “The knowledge of that creates a tense atmosphere, but it’s an amazing feeling, one that you can hardly replicate elsewhere.”
Reflecting on his growth since entering F1 in 2019 at the age of 19, Norris said, “I’ve changed a lot. I used to care too much about others’ opinions instead of just being myself.” He believes he has now found a better life balance: “My focus and job are the same, regardless of whether I’m laughing or joking less. I still love what I do, and that’s why I’m here.”
Norris recognizes the odds stacked against him as he pursues a championship comeback against Verstappen, who finished second at his recent home race. Nevertheless, he and McLaren are more optimistic about winning the constructors’ title, which they trail Red Bull for by just 30 points.
“We’re pushing hard every weekend. Our goal is to catch both championships,” he stated. “From a constructors’ perspective, it seems much more achievable than the drivers’ title, but we’ll keep pushing—that’s all we can do.”
Despite not winning since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, Verstappen remarked that his lead could be “easily overturned.” He noted, “Whether I win or not won’t change my life. I have to give my best feedback, aim to improve the car, and see if that’s enough for the end of the year. We’ll certainly give it our all.”
Norris’ Title Hopes Not Impossible, Says Hamilton
If McLaren clinches the constructors’ title, it would mark their first win since 1998. Although they earned more points than any other team in 2007, they were disqualified due to the ‘spy-gate’ scandal, where a McLaren employee possessed sensitive Ferrari information.
Lewis Hamilton, who raced for McLaren from 2007 to 2012, commented on Norris’s championship hopes: “There are a lot of points up for grabs, so it’s certainly not impossible. Ultimately, Max probably only needs to finish second in every race to win now, while Lando must win every race, and even that may not be enough. Some fortune would be needed.” He added, “What’s really exciting is that McLaren has a genuine shot at the constructors’ title. I was there when we last won it; it was taken away from us, but we had the performance that year. Reclaiming it would be a thrilling experience for them and for the sport.”
In the race for the championship, how will Norris cope with the tightening competition?
