Lando Norris: ‘I cared too much about what people said’

Lando Norris has opened up about his handling of media and fan comments, as he leads the Formula 1 world championship with three grands prix remaining.

Norris trailed team-mate Oscar Piastri in the 2025 standings during 15 consecutive rounds but has dominated the Australian over the past six grands prix, scoring 115 points to Piastri’s 57 in that period.

After taking his seventh grand prix win of the season in Brazil, Norris was asked what led to his turnaround. “Just ignore everyone that talks crap about you! Just focus on yourself,” he replied.

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The comments came two weeks after Norris was booed on the podium by fans after winning the Mexico Grand Prix.

The Briton expanded on this during the FIA’s post-race press conference, explaining he previously paid too much attention to what people said about him.

“There’s always people out there that try and bring you down a little bit,” Norris said. “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.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: Mario Renzi - Formula 1 - Getty Images

“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.

“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.”

Asked if the Sao Paulo weekend felt like a turning point for him, as he now led the world championship by 24 points, Norris played it down.

“No,” he replied. “It just feels like another weekend where I came here to try and win, to get the most points I could, and did that. I did that also last weekend.

“So yeah, I think neither are turning points. They're just strong results, which is exactly what I need, exactly what I'm fighting for every single weekend and every day. So just very pleased, but it's still a long way to go. So no point getting too happy or excited just yet.”

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