As he prepares to defend his maiden World Championship, Lando Norris has offered a candid reflection on his mindset, drawing a clear distinction between his approach and that of Max Verstappen. Speaking ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season, which will usher in a wave of new technical regulations, the McLaren driver discussed what drives his continued pursuit of excellence.

Norris, who claimed his first World Championship title in 2025, emphasized that his motivation remains unchanged. “My motivation to win is exactly the same,” he said in an interview with a select group of media outlets, including F1.com. “I’ve definitely not lost anything – if anything, I think I just have more confidence.”

The 26-year-old Briton acknowledged the psychological transformation he has undergone, particularly in how he perceives his own capabilities. “I’m very much a guy who has to see something to believe it, especially when it’s been anything to do with myself,” Norris explained. ‘Did I believe I could be on pole for the first time or win a race? When I’ve done it, then I’ve gone, ‘Ah, I can do it’.

Having now tasted championship success, Norris says the achievement serves as a psychological anchor. “I have that feeling, one day – if I don’t achieve something again – I have something to always fall back on and I’ll always be proud, no matter what people say.”

A Unique Approach to Excellence

When asked how his mentality compares to that of serial winners like Verstappen, the four-time World Champion and his 2025 title rival, Norris was candid. “I can’t answer on what went before and what those guys thought, but I think it’s quite clear that I have a different mentality and a different approach to say what Max has – good or bad, you decide,” he said.

Despite recognizing differences, Norris expressed admiration for Verstappen’s mindset. “There are a lot of things I admire in Max, where I wish I had a little bit more of that here and there, but I’m always trying to improve my things.”

He acknowledged that while he is performing at a high level, the margin for error at the front of the grid is razor-thin. “I know there are still areas where I’m not at the level I need to be, and it’s still a good level but when you are fighting these guys you need to be close to perfection.

His drive to improve, he says, comes not just from personal glory, but from a deep connection with his team. “A lot of my motivation is not just picturing me on the top step of the podium or holding up a trophy,” Norris shared. “A lot of it is being with the team and allowing them to have the trophies and party and celebrate and that kind of thing.”

With the 2026 season on the horizon, introducing significant technical changes across the grid, Norris sees an opportunity to reset the competitive balance. But above all, his focus remains internal: “I’ve got better at a lot of things last year – mental preparation, state of mind, dealing with the highs and lows. I have to find my own way… but my motivation is just as high to try and win again.”