Lando Norris Feared Abu Dhabi Chaos, Felt 'Calm' En Route to Title

Lando Norris has revealed he feared the Abu Dhabi title decider would be "a bit too chaotic," but once in the car, he felt an unexpected calm, treating it like "just another day at the office." This mindset helped him navigate the immense pressure and secure his first Formula 1 World Championship with a composed third-place finish, clinching the title by just two points.

Why it matters:

This insight into Norris's mindset provides a rare look at the mental fortitude required to become an F1 champion. His ability to switch off external pressures and focus on the job at hand was the critical factor that separated him from Max Verstappen in a tense season finale, proving he has the psychological edge to defend his crown.

The details:

• In the week leading up to the race, Norris admitted he was unsure how to act, expecting to be "pretty damn nervous" and finding the attention "a bit too chaotic."
• In the car: His mindset shifted dramatically. He felt "very calm" and "ready," treating the championship decider like a normal race weekend.
• Final laps: With two laps to go, time "started to slow down." His mind raced, thinking about every component in the car and what could potentially go wrong.
• The emotional moment: The realization truly hit him when he pictured his family in the garage for the final corners, thinking about how his 18-year journey "all led to this one moment."

What's next:

Norris will begin his title defense at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, becoming the first driver in years to run with the iconic #1 on his car. His composed performance under extreme pressure suggests he is mentally equipped to handle the expectations that come with being a reigning World Champion.