Lando Norris focuses on self-improvement ahead of F1 title challenge

The McLaren driver holds second place in the drivers' championship, trailing 78 points behind Red Bull's three-time F1 champion Max Verstappen, he acknowledges the need for personal growth.

This season, McLaren has found themself in a stronger position, vying for the constructors' title with Red Bull. The gap between the two teams is a mere 42 points, signalling McLaren's significant progress over the past two years.

The Woking-based team have their sights set on a serious title challenge in 2025 for both the drivers' and constructors' championships.

When asked about his ambitions for the next season, Norris expressed a realistic yet optimistic outlook. He told Sky F1, "It's always nice to say things like that, and have that optimism.

"I've got to work on myself and work on a few things first. I feel like I've had the car and I've got what I need around me."

Norris specifically has pointed out his race starts as an area needing improvement. Reflecting on a mistake he made at the first corner of the recent Belgian Grand Prix, he admitted that these errors had been costly. "I've probably made a few too many mistakes," Norris said. "I've made a few too many mistakes over the last month or so, I've lost opportunities.

"It's my starts, just some decision-making here and there. It's small things that have had big consequences."

He elaborated on the fine margins in Formula 1, noting that even minor errors could lead to significant setbacks. "A lot of stuff now in F1, a small difference will have a big consequence because it's so close," Norris remarked.

"I know that and I know I've got to work on my things and keep focused so that's what I'll use the summer break for."

The summer break, lasting until Friday, 23 August, provides Norris with a crucial period for both rest and reflection. He plans to use this time to review his performance and address the areas requiring improvement. "As much as it is to disconnect, it's to review a lot of things and make sure I come back stronger," he added.

As McLaren continue to build on their recent progress, the team has remained hopeful for a strong finish to the current 2024 season and a competitive start to the next. Norris' commitment to self-improvement indicates his determination to play a pivotal role in McLaren's future success.