Lando Norris is taking a rare pause to enjoy the calm after his career-defining year in Formula 1, reflecting on his first F1 World Championship win and what the future holds for the McLaren driver.
Norris Wants a Normal Few Days
After a night of celebrations in Abu Dhabi, Norris told BBC Sport he’s eager to switch off and temporarily forget the pressures of Formula 1:
“Honestly, try to forget this season, try to forget a little bit what we’ve been able to achieve together. Forget that I drive in Formula 1. I just want to live a normal few days, go play some golf, and do some normal things.”
The 26-year-old Briton is already planning to head to the McLaren factory to analyze the season and work in the simulator, preparing for next year, but he’s also making time for lighter moments, including receiving his official championship trophy at a Tashkent ceremony and celebrating at the McLaren Christmas party in London.
Making Parents Proud
Norris highlighted the personal sacrifices behind his journey, from his early karting days to life on the F1 circuit. He described reconnecting with his parents, Adam and Cisca Norris, after years of time apart due to his racing career:
“One thing that everyone wants to do is make their parents proud. Winning and having the achievement we did, I hope it makes them even more proud. That’s the best thing you can ask for.”
Proving Himself and Facing Challenges
Norris openly discussed the struggles he faced earlier in the season, particularly when McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri led the championship. He admitted moments of self-doubt but emphasized the satisfaction of proving himself wrong:
“When Oscar was doing a better job than me and I wasn’t doing great, I thought maybe they’re just better. But to then achieve this for myself and say ‘You’re wrong, you can do it,’ is an incredible feeling.”
He credited his growth to brutal self-honesty and openness about weaknesses:
“I hate doing a bad job and having someone sugarcoat it. I’ve been brought up with brutal honesty, and that’s made me the person I am today.”
Iconic Wins and Emotional Moments
This season, Norris secured victories at Monaco and Silverstone, races every F1 driver dreams of winning. Reflecting on his Monaco qualifying lap, he recalled a deeply emotional moment:
“The lap I did in Monaco in qualifying was one of the best moments of my career. It flipped everything in my mind from ‘I don’t know if I’ve got this’ to ‘I can definitely do this.’”
Lessons for Next Season
Looking ahead, Norris emphasized learning from both triumphs and mistakes:
“I take a lot from this season. Two points separated me from Max Verstappen—it was insane. I know my flaws, I know my mistakes, but now I’m confident I can analyze them and do even better next season.”
Norris’ openness, humility, and analytical approach showcase why he is considered one of F1’s brightest stars, with a career that promises much more beyond his first World Championship.
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