Norris says F1 title brought calm and confidence but has not changed who he is

Lando Norris says becoming Formula 1 world champion has given him a deeper sense of calm and self-assurance, but insists the title has not changed who he is as a person. The McLaren driver reflected on his championship success in an interview recorded after he signed a contract extension with the Woking outfit through to the end of 2030.

“It hasn’t, which is exactly what I would want,” Norris said when asked how winning the title has changed him. “I don’t want it to change me. I don’t want it to change who I am. I think I just get to go around with a feeling that I’ve accomplished something very few people in the world get to achieve, and I know I’ve achieved my dream as a kid.”

The 26-year-old acknowledged that high expectations — from himself and others — come with the champion’s crown, particularly given McLaren’s difficult start to the current season. Yet he says that pressure has not altered his mindset once he is strapped into the car.

“Every time I put my helmet on, I still want to win today. I want to be first today. I want to be on pole. And that’s the same mentality that I’ve always had,” he said. “It changes my outlook, especially when I’m out of the car. But I wouldn’t say it changes anything when I’m in it, because when I’m in it, it’s always 100%.”

Norris also addressed McLaren’s rocky start to the campaign, noting that fighting for the championship was not the team’s initial expectation after a tough opening run of races. “We knew we would start on the back foot,” he said. “The fact that it’s become a thought is a pretty awesome thing.”

Despite currently occupying the role of title chaser rather than defending champion, Norris says the off-track composure he has found since his maiden title is feeding back into his performance. “Being more relaxed, being able to work with the team in an even better way than ever — that’s what’s also helping,” he added.