Norris: 'I cared too much' about people's opinions and it affected my driving

17:56, 17 Nov

byDrew Murphy

Lando Norris has revealed that he “cared too much” about others' opinions of him in the past and is now working to deal with the external noise better.

"I care a lot about people’s perspectives and how I’m portrayed and things in the media. I cared too much, and probably it was affecting me in not the best ways.”

- Lando Norris

Norris claimed victory at the Sao Paolo Grand Prix, extending his championship lead to 24 points over teammate Oscar Piastri, but one of the main talking points was the crowd's reaction to his victory.

The 25-year-old was questioned after the race on how he had found his rhythm at the final stages of the season.

He responded: “Just ignore everyone that talks c**p about you.”

Read also

São Paulo Grand Prix podium. Photo: Race Pictures

The McLaren driver was asked to elaborate and disclose how he was dealing with the external noise that comes with being in a title fight.

Norris said: “There are always people out there who try and bring you down a little bit.

“I guess it’s quite normal. But yeah, also, when you’re on a big stage, there’s a lot of people that talk and say things, try and influence other people to have effects.

“Even the cheers and the not-cheers, you still hear it. It’s not the nicest thing.

“But I think it’s something I’ve done well over the last few months.

"I care a lot about people’s perspectives and how I’m portrayed and things in the media.

“I probably cared too much, even at the beginning of the year, I think I cared too much, and probably it was affecting me in not the best ways.”

Lando Norris and Kimi Antonelli. Photo: RacePictures

How to handle the discourse

Norris disclosed how he has begun to handle the challenges in a way that he finds is more effective.

He added: “I’ve just learned to deal with those things better – not by not caring, because I still always want to have a good impression.

“I never want to be rude or do those things. But I’ll always try and make my point and say what I believe in.

“That’s one of the things I’ve learned the most: just to be true to yourself, have confidence in yourself, believe in yourself, and speak your mind.

“So yeah, it’s more just keeping my head down and concentrating on myself.”

GPblog’s Latest F1 Paddock Update

Want to stay up to speed with everything happening in the F1 paddock? GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video series is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode.