Lando Norris's Mentality: A 'Polar Opposite' to Lewis Hamilton, Mexico GP a Title Turning Point

Lando Norris's approach to dealing with setbacks is in stark contrast to Lewis Hamilton's, believes James Hinchcliffe, who reckons Mexico was a “pivotal” moment in the F1 2025 title chase. Norris became the World Championship leader with a dominant victory in the Mexico City Grand Prix, with the British driver's approach to dealing with setbacks this year assessed as markedly different to that of his compatriot Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters:

After years of showing flashes of brilliance but also moments of mental fragility, Norris's newfound consistency and positive mindset could be the key to unlocking his first F1 World Championship. His ability to bounce back from adversity and maintain a lighthearted demeanor, even on bad days, sets him apart and positions him as a strong contender against teammate Oscar Piastri and potentially Max Verstappen.

The Details:

• Championship Lead: Norris now leads the World Championship for the first time since the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, following a peerless victory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
• Mental Resilience: While previously showing signs of fragility, particularly against Max Verstappen in 2024, Norris has bounced back from various setbacks this year, including collisions, dominant displays from Piastri, and a mechanical failure at Zandvoort.
• Contrast with Hamilton: Former IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe highlights Norris's ability to "crack a joke" and "crack a smile" even after bad days, contrasting it sharply with Lewis Hamilton, who is often described as withdrawn after poor performances. Hinchcliffe suggests Norris performs well when he feels "light and free."
• Single-minded Focus: F1 Nation podcast host Tom Clarkson suggested Norris has blocked out distractions like social media and engaging with photographers, indicating a more single-minded approach as he closes in on a maiden title.
• Piastri's Pressure: Fellow podcast guest Esteban Gutierrez suggests Oscar Piastri might be struggling with the pressure of being the "prey" in the championship fight, possibly leading to a downturn in his recent performances after leading the standings.

The Big Picture:

Norris's shift in mentality and his dominant Mexico win could be a significant turning point in the F1 2025 title fight. While drivers often claim to treat every race the same, the psychological aspect of leading or chasing a championship can be profound. The dynamic between Norris and Piastri, particularly regarding who is 'hunting' whom, is expected to play a crucial role in the remaining races. This season is shaping up to be a compelling test of mental fortitude as much as raw speed.

What's next:

Hinchcliffe believes the Mexico Grand Prix could be a "pivotal" race, either propelling Norris to an even higher gear with newfound confidence or motivating Piastri to become more aggressive now that he is no longer defending a lead. The outcome of this championship battle, particularly how both McLaren drivers manage the immense pressure, will likely be looked back upon as defined by moments like Norris's dominant Mexico win and his consistent mental resilience throughout the season.