Lando Norris eyes the double: “Winning the world championship gave me confidence; repeating it is the goal”
Lando Norris has officially developed a taste for victory. The McLaren star, who crowned his dream on December 7th in Abu Dhabi by becoming Formula 1 World Champion, is ready for more. Following an incredible title race that saw him edge out his teammate Oscar Piastri and, most notably, Max Verstappen—beating the Dutchman by a razor-thin margin of just two points—Lando Norris is no longer satisfied with just one trophy. The Woking-based driver, sporting the #4, was recently honored as the British Competition Driver of the Year at the Autosport Awards in London. Speaking to the press at the event, he made his ambitions for 2026 very clear, despite the massive technical revolution currently sweeping through the sport.
Targeting the back-to-back
Successfully defending his maiden Formula 1 world title is “absolutely the goal,” Lando Norris told the British media. Compared to the recent past, the Englishman appeared significantly more self-assured and aware of his own capabilities. He was quick to point out how securing the championship has provided a substantial boost to his self-belief—a trait he hasn’t always been known for in the paddock.
“I’ve never been one to have a lot of self-confidence, but I’ve definitely got more now, that’s for sure,” Norris explained. “I’ve always been the kind of person who only believes what they see, and I’ve always had to see myself on the top step and see myself winning to finally believe that I could do it.”
A mental shift for the champion
The 2025 World Champion revealed that his primary mental “switch” occurred midway through last season. It was a pivotal moment, coming just as it seemed the championship momentum was shifting toward his teammate, Oscar Piastri. Norris realized he had all the ingredients necessary to reach the summit of motorsport.
“For the first time, I felt like I had the people around me, the team, the car, and the right skills to go and win the championship. It’s the first time I’ve had that kind of confidence in myself, and it turned out to be the right thing to do,” he added. Now, with the first crown secured, Lando is determined to make it a double.
As Lando Norris prepares for the 2026 season, he carries the weight of the #1 plate with a newfound mental resilience that could be his greatest weapon against a resurgent grid. Having overcome the internal doubts that characterized his early career, the McLaren champion is now focused on joining the elite group of drivers who have successfully defended their titles. With the technical landscape shifting, his ability to pair his natural speed with this recent boost in self-belief will be crucial in his quest to stay at the top of the Formula 1 world.
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