Lando Norris, a British driver for McLaren, believes that his first-ever 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 shower prevented him from securing the victory. Despite McLaren calling him to the pits to change tires, Norris decided to stay on track, allowing Lewis Hamilton to take advantage of the worsening weather conditions.
Reflecting on his win 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 did lose out on a victory and took responsibility for not performing at his best, both individually and as part of the team.
Some people formed the impression from the Sochi race that Norris couldn’t handle the pressure of racing at the front of the F1 grid. However, Norris has entered this season with a stronger mental state and has learned to ignore external distractions, which has positively impacted his performance on the track.
Norris emphasized that he feels more confident than ever this year and has improved his ability to stay focused and execute his job. He no longer dwells on past mistakes and doubts, and instead focuses on his strengths and the hard work he has put in.
Overall, Norris’s win in Miami has proven 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 addressing his weaknesses.