Even After Saving Lives, Lando Norris Fights Heavy Battle: “Can I Come Back From This?”

The business of being a Formula 1 driver isn’t easy. You’re out there, day in and day out, fighting for one out of only 20 places on the grid. And we mustn’t also forget that these drivers have been working towards this goal of theirs ever since they could comprehend the world. However, everything they’ve strived for can vanish in the blink of an eye, literally. And Lando Norris is no exception.

It should not come as a surprise that F1 drivers too face mental health issues. That being said, it’s very rare to see them speak up, at least that was the case in the past. But with the new age of drivers, they’ve come out with a strong example for everyone. Arguably, drivers like Norris are more in touch with social media and the internet. And it seems to have taken a toll.

In a feature for GQ, Norris described his mental health struggles. “I just didn’t know how to deal with it. [I] kept all of it inside and it really hurt my self-belief and self-confidence, which got to an all-time low. I doubted myself: Am I good enough to be in Formula 1? Can I come back from this?”

But the podium sitter for McLaren, through seeking help, fought back. “You’re never going to please everyone. There are people that support you and people that don’t… I know I’m doing the best I can.” Today, he’s a very vocal advocate for mental health.

He ended it all with on a profound note. Visibly shaken, Norris fought his emotions to reveal, “A few people said that I had saved their life. That hits you pretty hard”

Read More: “It’s Happened to Lewis…”: Lando Norris Okay With Making Risky F1 Blunders Because of the Legendary Hamilton

Norris has come a long way from when he was struggling with coming to grips with F1. However, exactly who and what prompted him to become the champion of his cause?

Lando Norris dedicates his mental health championing to his fans

Lando Norris is a part of Formula 1’s golden generation. The 23-year-old Brit has taken the world of F1 by storm, ever since his debut in 2019. However, by his own admission, his journey within the sport hasn’t been a smooth ride. Having faced mental health issues, he’s come out the other side. And now he champions the cause for every F1 fan and person around the world.

Norris told F1.com, “I’m proud to be part of that group of people who have accepted it and are happy and confident to speak out about it. And I think one of the biggest things which allowed me or made me think it’s a very good thing to speak out about it is my fans, my followers.”

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Lando Norris is still just 23. But by the time he pulls the curtain on his F1 career, how many lives do you think he would’ve changed?