‘I know I can do it again – 100%’: Lando Norris on proving himself against the best in F1

Interview ‘I know I can do it again – 100%’: Lando Norris on proving himself against the best in F1 Giles Richards Briton overcame crippling self-doubt to become F1 world champion and is determined not to relinquish his crown L ando Norris recalls being rendered speechless with joy when he was given his first contract with McLaren. Sitting in the cramped office of a paddock truck, the confirmation that he had made it to Formula One left him “very smiley for a long time”. Seven years on, he enters the new season having achieved his lifelong ambition of becoming world champion and is wearing an equally irrepressible grin as he sets about defending his title. Claiming the championship after a monumental season-long tussle that went to a thrilling three-way fight at the finale in Abu Dhabi was the defining moment of the 26-year-old’s career and perhaps something of a turning point. “I’m always very much in my own head and very thoughtful about myself,” he says. “It’s always been about proving it to myself. That’s the thing inside I’ve always had to do. Then when it clicks and I reassure myself, that’s when things go even better. I’ve gained confidence from last year. Just the fact I know I can do it means I know I can do it again. 100%.” Norris has always been markedly honest, unafraid of admitting how self-critical he can be. He admits to a lack of self-confidence, of succumbing to elements of negativity that led to mental health issues early in his F1 career. All of which he has addressed but even early on last year, Norris still conceded he did not see himself to be as good as his title rivals , veterans Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso or contemporaries Max Verstappen and George Russell. The fact he went toe-to-toe with them all and came out on top means Norris enters the new season with conviction that he very much can take on and beat the best. “There’s thoughts that I always had, looking up and thinking how on earth am I going to compete against these kind of g...