Alain Prost: “Motorsport is also about the mind”

It’s not just speed that matters in F1. This phrase may seem paradoxical, given the very principle of the sport, with cars running faster and faster each year, but it nonetheless hides a reality, and it is materializing this year between the two McLaren drivers. While Norris and Piastri display nearly identical pace and performances (5-3 for Piastri in races, 4-4 in qualifying), their personalities, on the other hand, are very different.

The Australian is a discreet driver, sometimes almost cold in front of the media. A shyness that disappears when he’s on the track, where he shows all his talent. Already a winner of four Grand Prix this season (China, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Miami), the former Alpine protégé is the leader of the world championship even though he is only in his third season in F1 after having successively won the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019, the F3 championship in 2020, and the F2 championship in 2021.

A more direct communication at Norris

On his side, the Briton is much more expressive. In front of the cameras, he is always ready to acknowledge his mistake and often questions his level of performance. This stance, embodying a form of transparency, nevertheless puts constant pressure on him, and it shows on the track. The 2024 vice-world champion seems less determined in his overtaking attempts, likely to avoid any risk of collision with his rivals. Against Max Verstappen, it took him several laps to overtake the Dutch driver who, however, has a much less competitive car. The pressure is intensified by a teammate growing more confident, which leads Norris to push even harder and make mistakes, as seen during the qualifications in Saudi Arabia.

F1, a sport that isn’t only played on the track

For Alain Prost, this turnaround is not due to a drop in pace for Norris, but rather a loss of confidence. Motorsport is obviously played out on the track, the French world champion told *L’Équipe*. The drivers’ reflexes and natural talent are obviously essential. But motorsport is also played out in the mind. Today, everything is shown, everything is experienced, everything is known. Many drivers fall into this trend, but I think by doing so, they put immense pressure on themselves. A statement entirely directed at the Briton whose self-critical position weakens him daily.

« The more you show yourself, the more you become vulnerable. Lando is a driver I respect immensely, but if I had any advice to give him, it would be to stay quiet and not weaken himself like this. The consequences are huge, and not just among his fellow drivers. There’s the image he projects within the team. It’s more important than we imagine, because it affects the impressions of the mechanics or engineers, crucial elements. And then there are the media, which today, influence social networks », the Frenchman emphasizes.

Piastri, a personality suited to the demands of current F1?

The Frenchman took the opportunity to mention Norris’s teammate, Oscar Piastri, who, on the other hand, communicates very little and does not make much noise in the paddock. A strategic silence that seems to suit him perfectly. « Oscar, whom I knew in the junior formulas when we recruited him for Renault, was already like that. Quiet, without showing his emotions, but I can tell you that he is not as cold as people say. He doesn’t show his emotions, that’s all. He’s shy. »

Currently, the posture adopted by the Australian seems to be the one to prioritize. By hiding his emotions, Piastri places himself in a bubble and is fully focused on his goal. On the other hand, Norris is more expansive and builds a strong connection with the public. But this harms his performances because, in a world where everything is watched and analyzed, the slightest mistake made is very costly for both the team and the driver, who faces strong criticism on social media.

Lando Norris must therefore imperatively regain a form of confidence, at the risk of seeing his teammate take off at the top of the championship. The Briton will have the opportunity to catch up next week at the Imola Grand Prix, a circuit where he has done well in the past (three podiums in the last three editions) and where he hopes to shine again.