Lando Norris has emerged as a credible contender to dethrone Max Verstappen as F1 world champion during McLaren’s meteoric rise to the front of the grid this season. But the 24-year-old sensation admits that he still suffers from a lack of confidence, which often exudes from him during his public displays of self-criticism.
Norris claimed his first win in F1 by taking the chequered flag at the Miami Grand Prix in May. Since then, he has earned five podium spots to help McLaren launch a Constructors’ Championship challenge.
Oscar Piastri has also impressed, securing his first career win at the Hungarian Grand Prix in the penultimate race before the summer break.
McLaren now trail Red Bull by just 42 points ahead of the final 10 races of the season, starting with the Dutch Grand Prix on August 25.
His 78-point deficit behind Max Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship represents the more daunting task.
The Dutchman’s continued point-scoring despite Sergio Perez and Red Bull’s recent struggles have put him in pole position for a fourth successive title.
But Mercedes’ return to the front of the grid, joining Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari, has heightened the potential of Verstappen losing more points.
Despite his strong showing across 2024, Norris has opened up on his lack of self-belief, admitting he faces a battle to convince himself that he belongs in F1.
“I never had the belief that I would make it to Formula 1,” Norris told RacingNews365.
“All the superstars in the world are like, ‘You have to have so much confidence in yourself to do this,’ but to be honest, I don’t think you have to have that at all. I never had that.
“I’ve only won one race, but I’m still here in Formula 1. I think it’s more the work behind the scenes than anything else. I’ve worked hard to be here, but I haven’t believed in being here.”
Norris often has no filter when things don’t go his way on the track, prompting accusations that he’s too hard on himself.
But while the British driver accepts there may be better methods, he insists that he is working hard to find a way to maximise his ability.
He added: “I think it’s just important to find yourself, to know what works best for you and to maximise that. I feel like that’s what I’m doing, but I’m still finding it.
“And maybe it’s good to find a better balance sometimes [in how hard he is on himself] because I definitely don’t want that to have a long-term effect. And I think that’s always going to be me.”
