As McLaren unveiled their MCL39 challenger at Silverstone, Norris spoke candidly about his mental approach heading into what promises to be a defining season in his career. \u201cMy mindset at the minute is great,\u201d Norris was quoted by Formula 1 as saying. \u201cI definitely think it\u2019s different to how it was last year. I feel like last year was a very good year for me \u2014 not just because of the results, but mentality-wise, and approach-wise.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I\u2019ve always been someone who prefers to prove things to myself rather than just believe I can do them. Last year, I proved to myself that I could fight against Max, I could win races, I could take pole, and I could handle the pressure at the front. That\u2019s given me a lot of confidence.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Unlike previous seasons where he admitted to having a \"glass half empty\" mindset, Norris now feels more composed and self-assured. \u201cI feel like I\u2019m very relaxed, but in a comfortable way, in a determined way. I feel like I can keep things under control. I\u2019m excited, but I\u2019m calm.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Norris\u2019 title challenge in 2024 was characterised by intense duels with Verstappen, some of which ended in frustration. Despite McLaren\u2019s significant mid-season upgrades making their car one of the fastest on the grid, Norris often found himself outmanoeuvred by the Red Bull driver when it mattered most.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThere were some things where I just didn\u2019t do a good enough job,\u201d Norris admitted. \u201cI wasn\u2019t, simply, quite at the level I needed to be to race against Max. We\u2019re talking about probably going up against one of the hardest attacking and defending drivers you can ever face.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on their battles in Mexico and Austria, Norris acknowledged Verstappen\u2019s ability to play the long game, taking strategic risks that ultimately benefited him throughout the season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen a driver is willing to sacrifice himself for the bigger picture, that\u2019s a very tough mentality to beat\u2014especially when you\u2019re 40 or 50 points behind in the championship. The main thing that\u2019s got to change this year? I just need more points from the beginning,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Heading into the new season, Norris knows he must adjust his approach if he wants to dethrone the reigning champion. He\u2019s determined to be more aggressive, more decisive, and more willing to stand his ground when it counts. \u201cI need to get my elbows out,\u201d he declared. \u201cI need to show (Verstappen) that I\u2019m not going to willingly give him any positions, but I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be smart to go up against Max\u2014we saw it last year.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Norris isn\u2019t looking to get drawn into unnecessary risks or reckless moves. \u201cI don\u2019t need to go out and prove something to him. I don\u2019t need to take unnecessary risks. The easy way? Just go out, be a bit quicker than him, and stay ahead. That\u2019s the obvious plan.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With McLaren entering the 2025 season as reigning Constructors\u2019 Champions, the pressure is on to maintain their momentum. While Ferrari and Red Bull remain formidable rivals, Norris believes the team is in a strong position to fight at the front from the very first race.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Norris isn\u2019t looking to get drawn into unnecessary risks or reckless moves. \u201cI don\u2019t need to go out and prove something to him. I don\u2019t need to take unnecessary risks. The easy way? Just go out, be a bit quicker than him, and stay ahead. That\u2019s the obvious plan.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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