Norris Tells Younger Self to Believe After 2026 Title Win

Lando Norris, now a World Champion, revealed at the 2026 Autosport Awards that his path to the pinnacle of Formula 1 was defined more by self-doubt than arrogance. Despite a trophy cabinet filled with victories from his junior days, the McLaren driver admitted he wished he could travel back in time to tell his younger self to simply believe in his own talent.

Why it matters:

Norris’s vulnerability offers a rare glimpse into the psychological toll of the motorsport ladder. His journey demonstrates that a lack of self-belief can coexist with high performance, but overcoming that mental hurdle is often the final step in transforming a race winner into a champion.

The details:

• The Advice: When asked what he would tell the younger version of himself on the night he won the Autosport BRDC Award, Norris was clear: "Believe in myself a little bit more."
• The Mindset: Norris explained he was never the driver to jump out of bed expecting to conquer the day. Instead, he constantly looked up at the next category, intimidated by the "bigger, taller, more experienced guys."
• Pressure Management: He acknowledged that his lack of expectation had benefits. By not assuming he would win every race, he managed the mounting pressure effectively, though he always held himself to a high internal standard.
• The Progression: From karting to Formula 2—where he lost the title to George Russell—Norris consistently defied his own doubts, winning championships before questioning if he could do it again at the next level.

Between the lines:

The fact that Norris is standing as a World Champion in 2026 proves that his cautious, grounded approach ultimately paid dividends. While he may have lacked the early arrogance of some rivals, his ability to manage expectations and deliver results under pressure has cemented his legacy at McLaren.