'I DIDN'T DEAL WITH IT VERY WELL' - NORRIS ON HANDLING SOCIAL MEDIA

Lando Norris has opened up about the immense pressure of F1 fame and social media criticism, admitting he "didn't deal with it very well" early in his career. Norris revealed negative feedback deeply affected him, especially when he felt he was "letting McLaren down" during difficult periods. He explained that a drive to perform for supporters created pressure from all angles. However, Norris credits recent successes for a fundamental shift in mindset, providing him confidence to navigate the demands of competing at the front.

McLaren’s Chief Marketing Officer Louise McEwen emphasized their focus on "partnerships" over mere sponsorships, striving for off-track competitiveness matching on-track performance. Norris also highlighted a strategic trade-off: McLaren deliberately sacrificed some 2026 regulation preparation to fully commit to their 2024 campaign, acknowledging this choice made the current season's start tougher by putting them behind. This reflects the team's all-in commitment to performance, even as F1's audience grows, with 50% of McLaren's fanbase now new, posing fresh engagement challenges for the sport.