Lando Norris Downplays Championship Lead, Focuses on "Forgetting" Quickly

Lando Norris has reclaimed the lead in the F1 drivers' championship for the first time since Saudi Arabia, following a dominant win in Mexico. Despite now being a point ahead of Oscar Piastri, Norris insists he isn't dwelling on his new status, emphasizing his ability to quickly "forget" and refocus on upcoming races.

Why it matters:

Norris's shift in the championship lead marks a significant turning point in the season, highlighting his strong resurgence and McLaren's increasingly competitive form. His focus on rapid recalibration rather than celebrating past successes reveals a mindset crucial for sustained performance in a high-pressure title fight.

The Details:

• Norris, after retiring from the Dutch GP just six races ago, was 34 points behind Piastri but has since enjoyed a period of strong performance, contrasting with Piastri's recent struggles.
• With 116 points still available across two Sprints and three main races, the championship remains wide open, with Max Verstappen also closing the gap, sitting just 36 points behind Norris.
• Norris expressed that while being a championship contender is "a cool thought" and part of his dream, it hasn't altered his approach or feeling of accomplishment, as "nothing is completed, and nothing is done."
• He stated, "I smiled for a day, and then moved on." This reflects his strategy of quickly reviewing race outcomes, both positive and negative, and then shifting focus to preparation for the next event.
• Norris highlighted his ability to "almost forget about it as quickly as possible and enjoying some days off and going again," indicating a proactive approach to managing the emotional highs and lows of racing.

What's next:

Norris's continued emphasis on winning each race weekend, rather than focusing on the championship standings, will be key to his strategy moving forward. His ability to maintain this disciplined, forward-looking mindset will be critical as the 2025 season heads into its final, decisive races. The battle for the title is far from over, and Norris's psychological approach could be a defining factor in its outcome.