F1 king Lando Norris credits race success to opening up on mental health struggles
EXCLUSIVE: F1 drivers' championship leader Lando Norris has not only conquered the racetrack but also his inner demons. Discover the journey behind his phenomenal rise to the top and how he put the breaks on anxiety and troubling thoughts.
F1 ace Lando Norris has got off to a flyer this season but the best move he ever made was talking about his mental health.
The British McLaren racing driver - the early drivers' championship race leader - has openly admitted to struggles with depression and anxiety after making his bow in 2019.
Today the 25-year-old speed demon is on top of his emotions, and the leaderboard, with his blistering form singling him out for superstardom.
He told the Daily Express, in support of our By Your Side campaign with mental health charity Mind, that coming clean about his struggles was the best decision he had ever made and encouraged others to do the same.
Lando, who finished second in yesterday’s Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai, said: “I’m glad that I did. The good thing is seeing the reaction from people and my fans. Seeing the messages and how they respond to me opening up about it is what makes it worth it. Sadly, it can go as far as people saying that you’ve saved their life, which makes you realise how much of an impact those words can have and how much you can help people around you. It definitely makes it all worth it.
“I think the more you’re in [my] position, the more you can actually struggle with it. Of course, everyone can also struggle with it, it’s not just people who are in the position I’m in."
He added: “There are also lots of things that come with being in the position I’m in that can cause struggles with mental health. It’s definitely not true that anyone is immune to it, and you’re seeing more and more athletes from tennis, football and other sports talking more about their own experiences and being open about it. There’s a lot of things within sport which can influence it. It’s much tougher than people might think from a mental perspective.
“It’s good that more people are raising awareness – people who maybe look like they’re having a great time aren’t necessarily always having a great time, so the important thing is recognising it and getting the support that you need.”
Bristol-born Lando debuted as a 19-year-old rookie at the Australian Grand Prix, becoming the youngest ever British driver.
Since then he has made 130 starts from 10 pole positions and bagged five wins, the first coming last year at the Miami Grand Prix.
He won this season’s opener Down Under and after yesterday’s podium placing in China now sits atop the standings ahead of F1 legend Max Verstappen.
It is a remarkable achievement after Lando’s admission to the Express that he too had suffered - an example of the indiscriminate nature of mental ill health which does not distinguish based on status or celebrity.
And after his own battles with insecurities he has urged others to seek help and speak up rather than suffer in silence.
He said: “It doesn’t affect me so much now and I know how to deal with it much better. In 2019, my first year of F1 1, it affected me a lot more.
“It affects you as it’s something you’re always thinking about and because you’re always thinking about it, it takes the enjoyment out of things. Even when racing, or being away from the track when at home with your friends, it’s always on your mind. I think it takes the enjoyment out of some of the things you’re doing which is never a good thing.
“What helped me the most was speaking to my friends, family or the team I have around me. I also dealt with some of it myself. I think I did a good job myself, but at the same time what definitely helped was being around the right people. I always travel with my manager and my trainer, so it’s always good to be with those people that are there for you. That’s the most important thing.”
