Lando Norris sought help from other fellow athletes in his quest for his first Formula 1 title. The Briton recounted a conversation with golfer Rory McIlroy during a difficult period in the 2025 season.
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The McLaren driver was the great champion last year after a battle against teammate Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen. However, since his debut in 2019, the driver has been very open about his struggle with mental health, needing to overcome issues of self-esteem and confidence to get his hands on the title.
Speaking to The Guardian, Norris recounted how McIlroy’s advice played a fundamental role in his Formula 1 success in 2025. “There are always little details you observe and hear people comment on – especially Rory. He’s always very open about his difficulties and the things he tries when they don’t work out. That means even more when you know the athletes,” he said.
“I’ve talked to Rory a few times. I don’t know some of the others, like Justin [Rose], who I wanted to win even more, as he came so close last year. The fact that Rosey is playing well at 45 is incredible. So, there are always things you can learn, and when you talk to them, you understand their mindset even more,” he continued.
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“There are certain people I talked to last year when I was going through difficulties,” Norris said about the help he received from other athletes. “I talked to some of the best athletes in the world, some of the best athletes in the category, about my difficulties and what they do in those moments. How do they manage to disconnect from the pressure and be themselves on the tennis court, on the golf course, or anywhere else?” he added.
“They are incredible people who have achieved a lot in different sports and certainly helped me achieve what I have achieved. It was more at the beginning, in that small part of the season when things weren’t working and I didn’t feel very comfortable with the car. It was fast and good enough to win races. I just couldn’t figure it out on my own. That’s how I am – I need help from many different people.”
“But then you have to go out there and do your job. Last year was very special, as there are only 35 Formula 1 world champions – in all of history. For me, to be added to that list is something incredible,” he concluded.
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