Lando Norris on proving himself wrong to win the 2025 F1 title

Lando Norris has revealed that overcoming his own self-doubt was a crucial part of his journey to becoming the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers' Champion. The McLaren driver clinched the title by just two points from Max Verstappen after a season-long battle with teammate Oscar Piastri, admitting there were moments he questioned his own ability to achieve it.

Why it matters:

Norris's candid reflection highlights the intense mental challenge at the pinnacle of motorsport. His victory is not just a story of on-track performance but of personal resilience, proving that even top athletes grapple with confidence. His ability to channel those doubts into motivation underscores a critical, often unseen, component of championship success.

The details:

• The 2025 title fight came down to the final race in Abu Dhabi, where Verstappen won but Norris's third-place finish secured the championship by a narrow two-point margin.
• Teammate Oscar Piastri, who led Norris in the standings before the summer break, finished third in the championship after a mid-season dip in form.
• Norris admitted in a BBC Sport interview to moments of significant self-doubt, particularly when Piastri was outperforming him.
• He described a internal dialogue where he questioned if his rivals were simply "better" or more consistent.
• A key personal breakthrough was learning to be "more selfish" with his thoughts and feelings, using them as fuel to become a stronger driver rather than a hindrance.

The big picture:

Norris's championship completes a remarkable ascent for both driver and team. After years of building and near-misses, McLaren has returned to the top of the sport with a driver lineup widely considered the strongest on the grid. Norris's triumph, achieved against a formidable teammate and a relentless Verstappen, validates his position among the elite and marks a new chapter for the Woking-based squad.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to 2026 and the new regulations. Norris will face the immense challenge of defending his title, with a motivated Piastri as his closest rival and Red Bull sure to rebound. His hard-earned mental fortitude will be tested once again as he aims to build a legacy and establish McLaren's dominance in the new era of Formula 1.