Lando Norris Admits Lewis Hamilton’s Applause Helps Him From a Mental Standpoint

Lando Norris has been a frontrunner in the conversation about mental health in Formula 1. Having started a very important discussion, Norris often revealed the downsides of being in the sport and the pressures that come along with it. However, he hasn’t been standing on the frontline alone.

In a recent interview, Norris revealed how his compatriot, Lewis Hamilton, had helped him with mental support. “Every now and again, I speak to Lewis on the parade laps and stuff like that.” 

Hamilton had set an example for aspiring British karters and Norris was one of them. Further, the champion has kept Norris high in praise throughout the season. “I guess because I still see them as more established drivers. Definitely [it] boosts your confidence when you hear things from them because they’ve experienced every situation that I’m learning or have gone through this season.”

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Thus, Hamilton’s words of encouragement have been important to Norris. “It doesn’t mean I get up the next day and say: ‘Lewis said this,’ and I just do loads better. But a lot of stuff in racing is also mental and how you think of things and approach things and it definitely helps a little bit with that and the more it helps the better.”

Lando Norris reflects on Sochi

The Russian GP was a heartbreaking one for anyone watching; especially Lando Norris. As the rain visited the drivers in the final laps of the race, Norris had maintained an incredible lead in the race.

With a maiden victory within reach, a rueful strategy set the Brit spinning off into the runoff area; instead, Hamilton won his 100th race. A significant contrast in their races, Hamilton had praised Norris for his performance. However, it wasn’t a race Norris would forget about easily.

Two months since, Norris explained, “I think I’m over it. Of course, when people remind me of it, it’s still very disappointing because it was that first opportunity to win a race in F1.”

Norris added, “If it didn’t rain any more, I’m 99.999% sure I would’ve won the race. The only person who would’ve beaten me was Lewis if he managed to get past. And when he boxed [pitted], if it didn’t rain any more, I’m 100% sure I would’ve won race – he wouldn’t have been able to catch me.”

Regardless, the season has been a great example of Norris’ potential as a driver. From leading races to masterful defense and incredible pace, the upcoming seasons are sure to be much more exciting for the McLaren driver.

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