Amid the fierce competition of Formula 1, McLaren driver Lando Norris remains unconcerned with crafting a lasting legacy, focusing instead on being genuine to himself. As the 2023 season unfolds, Norris continues his pursuit of the drivers‘ championship but shows little interest in how history will remember him, setting him apart from many of his peers.
Current Standings and Norris’s Perspective on Legacy
Norris is presently just eight points shy of championship leader and teammate Oscar Piastri, signaling McLaren’s strong performance this year. While many drivers emphasize their ambition to be remembered as legends within the sport, Norris rejects this mindset. He candidly expressed in an interview with Rolling Stone that he prioritizes the way people perceive him as a person rather than his achievements on the track.
I guess the only thing that I want is for people to know the kind of person I was, rather than anything else,
Norris shared.
I’m not fussed about having a legacy or being remembered as being one of the best drivers or anything. It’s just something that I’m not too bothered by.
This focus on the present moment rather than the distant future reflects Norris’s belief that the memory of success fades with time.
Rejecting Traditional Notions of Fame and Legacy
While some athletes strive to earn the title of “best ever,” Norris remains skeptical about the lasting significance of such accolades. He explained that, in his view, everyone is eventually forgotten, making the chase for an eternal legacy seem futile. This perspective does not stem from cynicism but rather a desire to live authentically in the moment.
You know, some people are different. Some people want to be remembered as the ‘best driver ever.’ But I don’t know, I feel like eventually everyone forgets. So for me, there’s no use. There’s no excitement for me in thinking of those things.
—Lando Norris, McLaren
Instead, Norris aims to achieve what matters most to him personally and enjoy those successes alongside others, valuing his character over his record.
For me, it’s just trying to achieve the things that I want to achieve in my career and in my life, and share those moments with others. And then just be remembered for being the person that I am, more than the driver that I was.
Andrea Stella on Norris’s Honesty and Approach to Racing
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, offers insight into Norris’s mindset and personality, describing him as profoundly honest both with himself and the world. Stella emphasized that Norris’s self-awareness allows him to admit mistakes without arrogance, a quality essential for continuous growth in the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.
Lando is such an honest person and I think he perpetuates this honesty in every kind of relationship, including the one with himself,
Stella remarked during the weekend of the 2023 Qatar Grand Prix.
He further highlighted Norris’s commitment to improvement, stating:
I think he wants to make sure that if he gets it wrong, he gets it from the honesty point of view. He doesn’t want to look arrogant, he doesn’t want to look like: ‘I’m not acknowledging that I could have done better, so I make it very clear.’
Stella added that balancing honesty with effective communication is essential for a driver to maintain performance levels and keep advancing.
But at the same time, like I said before about champions, you need to find the right balance, and you need to find the right dynamics in terms of communication to the world and in terms of communication to yourself, to put yourself in the position to perform today, and in the position to keep improving every day.
The Implications of Norris’s Mindset for His Career and F1 Culture
Lando Norris’s indifference to legacy challenges the common narrative in Formula 1, where drivers often strive not only for titles but also for recognition that extends beyond their career. By placing authenticity and personal satisfaction above lasting fame, Norris underscores a more nuanced approach to success within the sport.
This attitude could influence how fans and sponsors view Norris, highlighting his character over a relentless pursuit of titles. As the championship battles continue, Norris’s perspective offers a reminder that the pressures of legacy can sometimes overshadow the value of being true to oneself in the present.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lando Norris’ dad a millionaire?
A. Lando Norris’s dad, Adam, is a very wealthy man who is on the Sunday Times Rich List. His financial support helped Lando advance in lower-level racing and reach Formula 1.
Q. Is Lando Norris’ father rich?
A. Lando’s father, Adam, has more than £200 million in wealth, which helped Lando move up the motorsport ranks into Formula 1.
Q. Is Lando Norris’s dad rich?
A. Lando Norris was born in Bristol, England, on November 13, 1999. His dad, Adam Norris, used to manage pensions and is one of the richest people in Bristol, also ranking 501st wealthiest in the UK in 2018. Lando’s mom, Cisca Wauman, comes from the Flanders area in Belgium.