Lando Norris credits psychologist for helping secure maiden F1 title in 2025

Lando Norris believes his work with a psychologist during the 2025 Formula 1 season was a crucial factor in him holding his nerve to clinch his first world championship by a mere two points over Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver managed a late-season charge to fend off a relentless comeback from the reigning champion, securing the title with a third-place finish in the Abu Dhabi finale.

Why it matters:

In a sport where mental fortitude is as critical as outright speed, Norris's public acknowledgment of psychological support challenges a longstanding 'tough it out' culture in motorsport. His victory, achieved without compromising his self-described sensitive and honest personality, provides a powerful counter-narrative to the idea that drivers must develop an unshakeable, harder edge to become champion. It highlights the evolving role of comprehensive mental preparation at the highest level of competition.

The details:

• Norris began working with a psychologist midway through the 2025 season, focusing on eliminating distractions and maintaining focus during the intense title fight.
• The championship battle evolved from an intra-McLaren duel with teammate Oscar Piastri in the first half of the year to a late-season scramble to hold off a charging Max Verstappen.
• Norris has been open about his mental health struggles and his more vulnerable disposition compared to rivals like Verstappen, whose 2024 title defense he narrowly lost.
• He explicitly connected the psychological work to his performance surge in the second half of 2025, which included critical race wins that built his points margin.

The big picture:

Norris's triumph represents a significant personal and professional milestone. After coming up short against Verstappen in 2024, he entered 2025 determined not to let the championship slip away again. His approach involved a holistic improvement plan where every "small piece"—including mental coaching—added up to make the decisive difference in an ultra-tight points battle. His success validates a methodology that prioritizes sustainable performance and personal authenticity over adopting a stereotypical 'killer instinct'.

What's next:

Having proven his championship mettle, Norris now faces the challenge of defending his title. He acknowledges that while he won without fundamentally changing his character, the demands of being a reigning champion may require him to adapt further. The spotlight will be on whether his honest and open approach continues to serve him as the hunted rather than the hunter, and if other drivers will follow his lead in openly integrating psychological support into their training regimens.