Lando Norris on chasing perfection and learning from Verstappen for F1 2026

Reigning champion Lando Norris enters the 2026 season with the confidence of a title winner but a clear-eyed focus on self-improvement, specifically targeting traits he admires in his rival Max Verstappen. The McLaren driver, who secured his first world championship in a dramatic 2025 finale, says his motivation to win again is undimmed, but he knows he must chase "perfection" to stay on top.

Why it matters:

Norris represents a new generation of champion, one with a notably different public persona from the relentless aggression of a Verstappen. His candid reflection on his own mentality and his admiration for his rival's strengths offers a unique insight into the mindset required to win and sustain success at the pinnacle of F1. As the sport enters a massive regulatory shift in 2026, the champion's approach to evolution is critical.

The details:

• Unchanged Ambition: Norris insists winning his first title has not satisfied his hunger. "I don’t feel any different coming into this season. I still feel like I just want to go out and win," he stated, emphasizing his desire to repeat the achievement.
• Learning from the Best: Despite his success, Norris openly admires qualities in Verstappen. "There are a lot of things that I still admire about Max, and I wish I had a little bit more of that, here and there," he admitted, acknowledging that fighting at the front requires being "close to perfection."
• The Confidence of Proof: Norris described himself as someone who needs "to see something to believe it." Winning the championship has provided that tangible proof, granting him a new level of confidence heading into the new era.
• Mental Gains: He credited work with a sports psychologist in 2025 for significant strides in "mental preparation" and handling the extremes of a season, calling it an area where he has "certainly gotten better."
• Team-Centric Motivation: A key driver for Norris is sharing success with his team. "A lot of my motivation is... being with the team and allowing them to have the trophies, party, and celebrate," he explained, distinguishing his source of drive.
• Enjoying the #1: Norris is savoring the symbolic victory of running the number one on his car, calling it a "refresher" that brings back the memories of his achievement and serves as a daily reminder of his success.

What's next:

Norris heads into the unpredictable 2026 season as the defending champion and the man to beat. He plans to be more relaxed, likely allowing more friends and family at races now that he has proven he can perform under championship pressure. With a solidified belief in his own ability and a clear roadmap for personal development—inspired by the very rival he dethroned—Norris is positioning himself not just as a one-time winner, but as a perennial contender ready to define the new regulatory era.