Lando Norris, British driver for McLaren, believes that his first Formula 1 victory in Miami proved his critics wrong, including those who spoke negatively about his missed opportunity in Russia in 2021.
Norris had the chance to win the race in Sochi in September 2021, but a late rain prevented him from securing the victory. Despite McLaren calling him into the pits to change tires, Norris decided to stay out on track, allowing Lewis Hamilton to take advantage of the worsening weather conditions.
Reflecting on his victory in Miami, Norris stated that the situation in Russia was very different and that many people spoke negatively about the race in Sochi. He acknowledged that he missed the chance to win and took responsibility for not performing at his best, both individually and as part of the team.
Some people formed the impression from the race in Sochi that Norris couldn’t handle the pressure of racing at the front of the F1 grid. However, Norris entered this season with a stronger mental state and learned to ignore external distractions, which positively impacted his performance on track.
Norris emphasized that he feels more confident than ever this year and has improved his ability to stay focused and execute his work. He no longer worries about past mistakes and doubts, and instead focuses on his skills and the hard work he has put in.
Overall, Norris’s victory in Miami proved that he is capable of winning races and performing under pressure, even with competitors like Max Verstappen behind him. He attributes his success to his improved mindset and the progress he has made in facing his weaknesses.
