Lando Norris remains one of the quickest drivers on the Formula 1 grid, but his chances of winning an F1 world championship are diminishing as the 2024 season progresses. Despite his speed, his mental approach and consistency have not developed enough to place him among genuine title contenders, a concern that has grown evident especially during recent races like the Belgian Grand Prix.
This season, Norris has been unable to fully capitalize on his speed, falling behind in critical moments and losing ground to teammates, most notably McLaren’s Oscar Piastri. While Norris has raw pace, his mental composure under pressure often falters, harming his overall results and weakening his position before looming regulatory changes shake up the grid next year.
Comparing Norris to his teammate Piastri: a study in mentality
Norris’ struggles become clearer when contrasted with teammate Oscar Piastri, who, despite intense pressure, rarely makes costly errors. Norris, now in his seventh F1 season, still shows signs of inconsistency that champions must overcome if they hope to win the title. While fast drivers can claim race wins or finish as championship runners-up, capturing the world championship requires relentless mental strength and consistency.
At the Belgian Grand Prix, Norris experienced a series of mistakes that cost him valuable positions. A misjudged qualifying lap saw him lose a chance at a front-row start, and during the race, a collision with Piastri erased a solid points haul. His difficulties extended to the restart, where a chaotic launch led to lost positions, followed by errors while chasing his teammate.
Errors at critical corners like Pouhon and the Bus Stop chicane showcased Norris’ lapses, visible through gradual time losses on the timing screens. In contrast, Piastri maintained steady lap times, evidenced by fewer mistakes despite tire wear and the pressure of a pursuing Norris, emphasizing his stronger championship mindset.
Recent controversies and broader context in the 2024 season
The Belgian Grand Prix not only highlighted Norris’ challenges but also stirred debate around FIA’s race decisions and driver management. Fans critical of Formula 1 and the FIA’s handling of restarts found plenty to discuss, while Red Bull’s controversial early-season decision to drop Liam Lawson after just two races drew mixed reactions.
In the highly competitive 2024 season, the struggle to maintain composure under pressure has become ever more crucial for drivers aiming to fight for the title. Norris’ inability to control mistakes and deliver consistent performances contrasts with peers who appear better prepared mentally to seize championship opportunities.
The impact of Norris’ mental approach on his championship ambitions
Lando Norris’ continued inconsistency and susceptibility to pressure are serious obstacles as he attempts to contend for the F1 championship. Though his raw speed remains impressive, the mental demands of sustaining a title challenge have exposed cracks in his approach.
With upcoming regulation changes expected to disrupt team dynamics and driver performances in 2025, Norris faces the risk of missing his prime window. If he cannot develop the resilience and focus characteristic of champions like Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen, his window for a title may close before it fully opens.
As the 2024 season unfolds, Norris must evolve beyond being simply a fast driver to embrace the mindset of a champion, or risk that his early promise will remain unfulfilled in the fiercely competitive landscape of Formula 1.
“Lando’s lost a second, I wonder where he’s gone off”. —sorry lando,really.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lando Norris shy?
A. When Lando started as a Test and Simulator Driver in 2017, he was a bit shy but had a playful sense of humor and boyish charm. Over time, he has developed into a self-assured leader with quick wit.
Q. Is Lando Norris’ father a millionaire?
A. Lando Norris’s father, Adam, is very wealthy and has appeared on the Sunday Times Rich List. This wealth helped Lando advance in lower-level motorsports and enter Formula 1.
Q. Is Lando Norris’ father rich?
A. Early Life and Family. Lando Norris was born in Bristol, England, on November 13, 1999. His father, Adam Norris, is a former pensions manager. Adam is one of the richest individuals in Bristol and was ranked the 501st-richest in the UK in 2018. Lando’s mother, Cisca Wauman, is originally from Flanders, a region in Belgium.