Silverstone has boosted Lando Norris’ confidence
The races follow one another and start to resemble each other for McLaren and Lando Norris. Author of two podium finishes in two races, the British driver seems more and more confident behind the wheel.
Now three races that Lando Norris and his McLaren, equipped with a new package, have settled into the top of the field.
If, at the beginning of the weekend, the young British driver feared not being able to replicate such a feat as the one in Silverstone, he ultimately had an impressive qualifying session on Saturday, securing third place on the starting grid. And this Sunday, it happened again! He had a flawless race and deservedly clinched second place.
Keeping a cool head
Taking the start between Sir Lewis Hamilton and the ogre Max Verstappen would impress many, but Norris didn’t tremble. Nothing seems to be able to stop him. What impact did this podium, at home, in Silverstone, have on the driver’s mind? Did it act as a trigger, a confidence boost? « I would say yes, » replies Lando Norris to Motors Inside.
« I think that my overall pace and ability to string together laps have improved. Not as much as I would have liked, though. The Silverstone car behaves the way I like or expect a car to behave. But if you ask me what it takes to have a perfect car. I feel like it’s far from what I want. But, yes, it has improved my confidence, I think. »
« The more I think, the more I act badly »
If he admits to having had trouble understanding the car at the beginning of the season, the recent improvements seem to have allowed him to see things more clearly.
« We had an inconsistent car, even last year at times when we seemed fine and I appeared confident. Last year, there were still many moments where I had no idea how to drive the car. From one lap to another, everything would change and I didn’t know how to improve. Now, I feel like the direction I need to work on is a little clearer, which is a good thing. I can focus on simpler things in my driving and little things like that have helped me be here today. »
Details that make a difference and allow the driver to drive more freely, obviously improving performance.
« This allowed me to significantly improve my self-confidence, not at the level I still want, but at least to be able to grow and drive as I want, feel confident and above all drive freely. Not having to think too much makes a big difference. For me, that’s how my brain works, the more I think, the worse I act. Now, I have to think less, which is a good thing. »
