Lando Norris admitted that the aftermath of his crushing defeat in Brazil at the hands of championship rival Max Verstappen was a challenging period, marked by disappointment and disillusionment.
The McLaren driver, who had started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from pole position, saw his championship aspirations dwindle as Verstappen stormed to a stunning victory from 17th on the grid, with Norris clocking in only a distant sixth.
The Red Bull driver's incredible performance not only secured a crucial win but also widened the gap between the two title contenders.
With 62 points separating the two drivers ahead of this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen will have his first opportunity this Saturday to clinch his fourth F1 world title.
On Wednesday, Norris opened up about the emotional toll of his setback in Brazil and its consequences on his title aspirations.
“For a week, I was pretty down after Brazil because I had that realization that things are pretty much out of my control now – not within reach necessarily,” Norris said.
“And that's a tough realization when hopes and your belief is so high, for it to get knocked down so much all of a sudden it was pretty demoralizing and not the best of feelings. But you learn to accept that's life.”
Norris' heartbreak in Brazil came after a season where he reached unprecedented heights. Three Grand Prix victories, seven pole positions, and 12 podiums have marked the most successful year of his career.
Yet, for all his accomplishments, the 25-year-old knows the sport's inherent unpredictability played a role in both his successes and setbacks.
“I admitted even in Miami that I was lucky in Miami to get the win, with the Safety Car, and that's the strategy you play,” he said. “I think Brazil was still a little bit more luck of the trade, but that is Formula 1. That's racing.
“I've not complained about it. Luck can be on your side. It can be on other people's side. That's life. So I don't mind. One day it will go your way, the next it won't.”
Despite the emotional sting of Brazil, Norris remains optimistic about his growth and potential as a title contender.
His 2024 campaign was the first time in six years that he and McLaren consistently fought at the sharp end of the grid, providing him with crucial experience in high-stakes racing.
“I think it's the first time in the last six years of Formula 1 when we've had a chance to fight at the front,” he said. “We've not been able to do that for the last six years, so this is our – and my – first opportunity to do so and my first opportunity to see where I stand.”
Norris acknowledged that his performances earlier in the season left room for improvement, but he's found his rhythm in the latter half of the year.
“I definitely was not at the level I needed to be at the beginning of the year – probably even the Miami point of the season,” he added.
“Since the summer break, I feel like I've done a very good job and performed very, very well. By far some of my best performances that I've done.
“So I've been very happy actually with how the last few months have gone, honestly. “I wouldn't change many things that have happened.”
While acknowledging areas for improvement, Norris feels confident he has what it takes to fight for a championship in the future, even against the likes of Verstappen, who he described as “close to perfect.”
“I still need to make tweaks,” he said. “I still need to improve on things – that's clear. I'm not completely satisfied with how I've done.
“I definitely know I need to make improvements, but for the first time I'm confident to say that I have what I think I need to fight for a championship.
“It doesn't mean I'm complete. Doesn't mean I'm perfect, that's for sure. When you're competing against drivers who are close to that, like Max, you have to be close to perfect if you want to challenge him and challenge the teams around.
“So I'm confident and I think the main thing I can take away is I have faith that I have got what it takes to fight for a championship.”
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