Norris dedicates Sao Paulo win to mentor – admits to fresh mindset

40

Lando Norris is on fire – and he knows it. After storming to victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix, the McLaren driver revealed the mindset shift that has powered his late-season resurgence and given him a 24-point lead over teammate and title rival Oscar Piastri.

Beaming after another masterful drive at Interlagos, Norris dedicated the win to his late mentor Gil de Ferran, the Brazilian racing legend who played a key role in shaping his career.

“Crazy race! Nice to win here in Brazil. It's an amazing track, amazing fans. This was for one of my mentors Gil [de Ferran]. A perfect weekend,” Norris said with a broad smile before stepping onto the podium.

Finding Focus and Fighting Back

At the end of August, few would have predicted the Briton’s turnaround. Piastri looked unstoppable then – fast, composed, and leading the standings.

But as the Australian’s form dipped, Norris found another gear. His victory in Brazil – two weeks after winning in Mexico – marked another statement drive in a title fight that suddenly feels like his to lose.

Asked what’s changed, Norris didn’t hold back.

“Just ignore everyone that talks crap about you! Just focus on yourself. The team are doing an amazing job, giving me a great car,” he said.

“We are pushing hard every single weekend and I'm pushing hard away from the track. Rewarding. It doesn't come easy. To be honest, I don't think we were the quickest today but I'm glad to take home the win.”

It’s the kind of focus that’s defined Norris’s season since McLaren’s summer upgrades. He’s been relentless – sharp in qualifying, ruthless in battles, and unshakable under pressure.

Eyes Forward, Not on the Trophy

With just three rounds to go, Norris now sits firmly in control of the championship. But if there’s one thing he doesn’t want, it’s to get complacent.

“It's a great win. But seeing how quick Max was, it's disappointing we were not quicker,” he admitted, referring to Verstappen’s sensational charge at Interlagos from the pitlane to a surprise third place.

“That's where my mind is at the minute. I will see the team, congratulate them, and see why we were not quick enough.”

For all his newfound momentum, Norris isn’t celebrating early.

“There's a long way to go. It can change so quickly. I will focus on myself, keep my head down, ignore everyone and keep pushing,” he said.

With Piastri under pressure and Verstappen still in the mix, Norris’s combination of raw pace, composure, and quiet confidence might just be the formula that delivers his first world title.

For now, though, Brazil belongs to Lando.

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.