Lando Norris has decided to forego attending a popular celebration this year, channeling his energy towards securing his first Formula 1 title. The event, known as King’s Day, takes place on Sunday, April 27, and is a national holiday in the Netherlands, where revelers typically adorn themselves in vibrant orange, similar to the celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland and the United States.
In previous years, Norris has participated in the King’s Day festivities, famously sustaining an injury last year that left his face bandaged after a night of partying. The British driver was celebrating alongside renowned DJ Martin Garrix when he suffered a nose injury. However, during an interview last week in Jeddah, Norris made it clear that he would not be repeating that experience, despite the positive outcome of a race victory in Miami last year following similar celebrations.
When asked if he would attend the festivities after his challenging Sunday at the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, Norris firmly stated, “No, no, sadly not. I wish, because it was one of the best days of my life and I won Miami, so.” He expressed nostalgia for the fun he had with friends in Amsterdam, but emphasized his commitment to the championship. “I’m fighting for a championship, I can’t afford to do these things,” he added. Norris acknowledged the difficulty of the last race, stating, “I’ve got to go back home and train. This race was tough, was physically demanding. As much as I like a little drink, I’ve not drunk all year and I’m proud of that, so, no fun for me.”
A man of his word, Norris has been spotted at the McLaren factory alongside championship-leading teammate Oscar Piastri, as the duo prepares for an intense battle over the remaining 19 race weekends. His dedication to the sport echoes his determination to clinch the coveted title.
The decision to prioritize his training over partying illustrates Norris’s ambition and relentless pursuit of excellence in Formula 1. As the season progresses, fans and fellow competitors will be watching closely to see if his focus leads him to success on the track.
