Former F1 team boss Otmar Szafnauer has some valuable advice for Lando Norris as the young British driver finds himself in a fierce title fight with Max Verstappen. As the 2024 season winds down, Norris, a breakout contender, has been pushing himself to the limit. But with a 62-point gap to Verstappen and just three races left, Szafnauer believes Norris’s biggest challenge may not be on the track but in his own mindset.
The ex-Alpine Team Principal, who never had the chance to work directly with Norris, explained what he would tell the McLaren driver if he were in his corner. Szafnauer, who has kept in touch with Norris’s father, recognizes the 25-year-old’s tendency to be overly self-critical—a trait that can be both a motivator and a hindrance. “I listen to him, and he can be really hard on himself,” Szafnauer said. “If he can change that and be a bit more positive… I’d tell him, ‘Hey, you’re great, believe in yourself.’”
Norris, who has consistently impressed with his skill and determination, has openly criticized his own mistakes. But Szafnauer argues that Norris’s journey would benefit from a shift in perspective, emphasizing self-belief as the key to unlocking his full potential.
With the title nearly out of reach, Norris’s path to the championship is fraught with difficulty. As one former F1 champion put it, “It’s not in Lando’s hands anymore. All he can do is race hard and hope that the Red Bull doesn’t score.” If Verstappen clinches his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas, Norris’s focus might need to shift toward mounting an even stronger campaign for 2025.
As the McLaren star gears up for the final races of the season, Szafnauer’s advice could be crucial. With a positive outlook and self-belief, Norris has the potential to come back even stronger, regardless of how this season ends.
