Lando Norris experienced a tumultuous 2025 season, marked by a fierce contest against his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri and the dominant Max Verstappen, eventually secured at the final race in Abu Dhabi. Now rested after the winter break and carrying the confidence of a newly crowned World Champion, Norris is eager to maintain his momentum and continue pursuing his ambitions in Formula 1.
Driving Ambition Beyond a Single Championship
Despite achieving the pinnacle of success in Formula 1, Norris remains ambitious and committed to adding more titles to his record. He acknowledges that while winning one championship is a monumental achievement, he is determined not to rest on his laurels. Nevertheless, he also finds comfort in the knowledge that the 2025 Abu Dhabi victory stands as a significant milestone regardless of what unfolds next.
I still have many more years in F1, and I will still try and get as many more championships as possible,
Norris stated during his first media appearance after winning.
If I never do, I’m still happy. I achieved one. I guess not many people in life get to achieve that end goal, or their life goal. But that was it. If you ever see me, like, not smiling or something, just give me a punch to remind me.
— Lando Norris, F1 World Champion
What History Teaches About Championship Repeatability
In the world of Formula 1, it is common for champions to seek further success rather than settle for a single title. Legends such as Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen have collectively amassed 22 championships by refusing to lose the winning feeling. Their continued motivation often stems from a combination of enjoying the winning experience and reducing the pressure of chasing long-term goals.
However, this pattern is not universal. For example, Nico Rosberg, after an intense title duel with Hamilton in 2016, chose to retire immediately upon winning at age 31, citing the mental toll and his readiness to move on.
Younger and Hungry: Norris’s Drive at Age 26
At just 26 years old, heading into his eighth F1 season, Norris retains his hunger to prove himself further. While his world championship has offered him a solid foundation of confidence, his desire to win remains as strong as ever.
I don’t feel any different coming into this season,
he explained.
I still feel like I just want to go out and win. My baseline feeling consistently is that. I think it’s just more at the end of the day, if I don’t achieve something again, I always have something that I’m very proud about, and I know is a huge achievement. And it certainly hasn’t taken away any ambition or desire to want to do it again, or to come into this season and then to not care about it.
— Lando Norris
Norris’s Unique Approach Compared to Other Champions
While Norris acknowledges the achievements of past champions, he emphasizes that his mentality and style differ from theirs, especially compared to the likes of Max Verstappen.
I can’t answer what Michael [Schumacher] and all of those guys thought,
he reflected.
I think it’s quite clear that I have a different mentality, and a different approach to say, Max. Good or bad, you decide!
There’s a lot of things that I still admire in Max. And I wish I had a little bit more of that, here and there,
Norris admitted.
I’m always trying to improve my things. I know there’s still areas that I am not at the level I need to be, and it’s still a good level. But when you’re fighting these guys, you need to be close to perfection.
— Lando Norris
A Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Norris has openly shared his journey of self-improvement, highlighting areas where he continues to grow despite already reaching a high standard. His motivation to become a better driver remains unwavering, and he considers his current baseline performance strong but not sufficient for ultimate success.
There are still plenty of things I want to work on, and I want to be better on,
he commented.
But the baseline level of where I’m at now is already pretty good. My motivation to win is exactly the same. I’ve definitely not lost anything. And if anything, I think I just have more confidence.
— Lando Norris
Mental Strength as a Foundation for Success
At times, Norris admits he had to overcome doubts, primarily proving to himself that he belonged at the front of the grid.
I’m very much a guy who has to see something to believe it, especially when it’s been on anything to do with myself,
he noted.
Did I believe I could be on pole for the first time, or win the race? And when I’ve done it, then I go, ‘Now I can do it.’ And that’s just how, for whatever reason, I’ve thought and I believed. I certainly got better at a lot of things last year—just a mental preparation, a mental state, dealing with the good times and bad times, and all of them in between.
— Lando Norris
Looking Ahead: Challenges in the 2026 Season
The upcoming 2026 regulation changes add uncertainty for Norris and McLaren, who excelled under the previous technical framework. Both team and driver face a new challenge, one that will test their adaptability and development skills under fresh rules. This season presents an opportunity for Norris to prove that his championship was no accident and that McLaren can remain competitive.
