Norris clings to championship title: "I really believe I'm the best driver"

Announced as the natural leader of McLaren, capable of putting an end to the hegemony of Max Verstappen, Lando Norris is ultimately not the unwavering leader that was expected this year. Outperformed by his teammate in terms of dynamics, the British driver, who has only known this team in his career, finds himself facing fierce internal competition.

"Even though your teammate is always your biggest opponent, the one you want and have to beat more than anyone else, I've always wanted to have fun, laugh, make jokes and enjoy life, entrusts Lando Norris with the BBC. We are different people, with different personalities, but we know deep down that we want to fight. We also want to enjoy our adventure."

Often the subject of criticism for this approach to rivalries, the Briton points out that his team's interests remain the absolute priority at this stage. For him, the toughest battles have arisen from unfavorable circumstances within the most competitive teams in history.

"I'm employed by the team and I have to drive and race for them. The manufacturer always comes first, he reminds. It's the title we have to win at the end of the season, but there's also the individual championship. We've all seen titles won where teammates see their relationships deteriorate. That usually leads to a domino effect where things start to fail. That's not what we want."

Verstappen, Norris's other rival

The reigning world champion, once in a battle with Lando Norris for the 2024 crown, the Dutchman has shown far more character on the track than his rival, sometimes even overstepping his bounds. Faced with this situation, the McLaren driver has no intention of changing his approach.

"I don't think he did anything wrong to me. He drove me very, very hard, as he has the right to. He gave me a hard time sometimes. And he has the right to, judges the Briton. I've said it many times: I have a lot of respect for Max. The driver he is, the person he is, what he always represents. And what he's accomplished, his four world championship titles. That's four more than me, and he's won many more races than me.

However, the player recalls that his confidence, although severely tested last year, still allows him to consider winning this season. "I truly believe I'm the best driver. Maybe not every day, and maybe not all the time, but I do believe it, he says. It's decisive. I may sometimes find it difficult to admit and say it, but I wouldn't run away Formula 1, I wouldn't fight for a world title if I didn't believe deep down that I could be the best in the world."

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