McLaren’s Lando Norris has opened up about his “toughest season” to date in an interview with the PA news agency ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix.
Norris has found himself experiencing a stagnant period in his career given McLaren’s current dip in form. He spoke about the resulting frustration:
“This has been my toughest season.
“I have been on the rise and felt that glory and the podiums and then it drops off to the worst it has been for me. I want to win so much, but at the same time it feels so far away.
“Everyone puts in the effort, and when I am not close to fighting for points, it takes a lot out of me. I don’t get anything out of it and it hurts.”
“And when I think I have been in F1 for five seasons, I feel like ‘damn’. Five years have gone by so quickly and before I know it I will have been here for 10. I don’t want to be in this position then.”
Photo credit: McLaren Racing
Norris is currently P10 in the drivers’ standings, with a total of 24 points. His best finish to date came in Austria, where, after putting in a solid performance all throughout the weekend, he bagged a P4 (adjusted post-race after penalties.)
After being tentatively linked to Red Bull (team boss Christian Horner spoke highly of him in the past), Norris signed a contract extension with McLaren last year, confirming his commitment to the Woking-based outfit until the end of 2025.
Asked if he’s considering any alternatives, Norris replied: “You always monitor things. Every driver on the grid does. And I do think sometimes, ‘What would happen if I was in this position or that position?’
“But I am not the guy who wastes time thinking about it, or wishing for something else. I have kind of got to a point where I am just very happy to keep my head down.
“When the time comes and something happens then something happens, but I don’t get carried away with any of that, as much as I daydream about things in life, like everyone does.”
Norris will be looking to replicate his most recent performance at his home race in Silverstone this weekend. The Brit spoke about the unique feeling of racing in front of a home crowd.
“The experience of having a home race and the support of the fans, the cheers and the shouting, is such a cool thing.
“In a way it makes me feel odd because I could never have ever imagined to be in that position, with people wearing my T-shirt and shouting my name. I am an introvert really, and not necessarily the best with crowds.
“But it gets me because there are people supporting me and spending their weekend cheering me on. I feel like I want to deliver and make sure they have a good time.”
