Jenson Button Praises Lando Norris for Speaking Openly About Mental Health in F1

2009 Formula 1 champion Jenson Button has praised Lando Norris for openly discussing mental health, a topic Button says is rarely addressed in the paddock. Reflecting on his own career, Button described how every driver battles insecurity — even seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

Mental health has long been a taboo subject in motorsport, where confidence is seen as essential. Button's candid remarks — and Norris's willingness to speak about his struggles — signal a cultural shift in how F1 handles psychological pressure. As the sport becomes more demanding, breaking this stigma could help protect future talent.

The details:

• Button spoke on the F1 Beyond The Grid podcast, noting that drivers are "flawed" and "insecure" — including elites like Hamilton, whose radio messages sometimes reveal self-doubt.
• He recalled Hamilton last year asking Ferrari if he had "done something wrong" after a delayed response: "You're a seven-time world champion. The confidence you should have is out of this world, but insecurities creep in."
• Button explained that this internal pressure often causes talented drivers to fail: "Mentally, they're just in a really dark place. We think of it as a weakness, so we don't talk about it."
• He specifically praised Norris for being "outspoken over the last couple of years on mental health. Really, really good. And I think that gives you a lot of strength."
• Norris, after clinching the 2025 title, told Sky Sports News that working with a psychologist throughout the season was a key factor. He said: "Did it make me perform better? Did it allow me to get wins in the second half of the season? Yes. Every small piece can add up and make a big difference."

The big picture:

Button's comments highlight a growing recognition that mental fitness is as crucial as physical conditioning in F1. Norris's openness has set an example, potentially encouraging other drivers to seek help without fear of being seen as weak. As the sport evolves, this shift could lead to a more supportive environment — and perhaps even change how teams prepare their drivers for the intense pressures of championship battles.