Between the Monza and Baku races during the intense Formula 1 title battle, McLaren driver Lando Norris revealed that golf causes him more anxiety than racing itself. The British racer embraced a new challenge last week by competing in a Celebrity Pro-Am golf event, highlighting his growing passion for the sport beyond the F1 circuit.
Lando Norris Ventures Into Competitive Golf
Lando Norris displayed his enthusiasm for golfing at the PGA Championship’s Celebrity Pro-Am held at Wentworth, playing alongside prominent personalities including tennis star Andy Murray and footballer Gareth Bale. Although confident in his dedication to golf, Norris modestly denied being the best golfer among his F1 colleagues.
When asked by Sky Sports Golf if he was the top golfer on the grid, Norris replied,
“Not me! I probably play the most, but that definitely doesn’t make me better than them. Probably Carlos [Sainz].”
He added candidly,
“There’s a lot of people here. I’m more nervous here than I think ever in my life in racing. I don’t feel like I can injure people there.”
Other F1 Figures Join the Golf Event at Wentworth
The golf tournament saw more F1 representation beyond Norris, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown participating along with former Red Bull mechanic Calum Nicholas and Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby. Brown enjoyed the event’s atmosphere, sharing moments on social media where he posed with a cigar and signed autographs for enthusiastic fans gathered to support their team.
Norris’ appearance at Wentworth is not his first golfing competition; earlier in 2023, he took part in the Netflix Cup, competing with fellow F1 drivers Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, and Alex Albon ahead of the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix. In that event, Sainz, teamed with professional golfer Justin Thomas, claimed victory against Norris and Rickie Fowler, moving on to face Gasly and Tony Finau in the final match.
The Growing Intersection of F1 and Celebrity Golf
Lando Norris’ continued involvement in golf highlights a unique crossover where top racing talent embraces the challenges of a sport that demands intense concentration and composure. His admission of increased nerves during golf competitions compared to the high-pressure environment of F1 racing offers insight into the different mental demands of the two sports.
As Norris balances both his racing career and growing celebrity golf participation, this crossover may continue to attract attention from fans and fellow athletes alike, expanding his profile beyond Formula 1. With his evident commitment and the involvement of key figures such as Zak Brown and Carlos Sainz, future events could see even more integration between motorsport and golf.
