Lando Norris has taken a bold step by stepping away from all social media platforms for several weeks, revealing that he no longer finds enjoyment in spending time online. The British McLaren driver has been channeling his energy into strengthening his mental resilience amid a fierce internal battle with teammate Oscar Piastri during the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Currently sitting 13 points behind Piastri in the Drivers’ Championship, Norris has faced intense scrutiny since his early-season victory in Melbourne. Despite high expectations for McLaren to challenge Red Bull, Norris has struggled to consistently outpace his teammate, leading to criticism from fans and pundits alike.
Unbothered by the negative feedback, Norris candidly confirmed his social media hiatus ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, declaring, “I’ve not been on social media for a few weeks now. It’s just not something I enjoy. I don’t need to. It’s my life. I can do what I like.”
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When compared to former McLaren driver Kimi Räikkönen, who was famously disengaged from social media, Norris admitted he shares a similar outlook. “I probably am the same. I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I still use my phone to text friends and stuff like that,” he explained.
Norris described social media as a significant drain on his time and energy, stating, “From my perspective, it feels like a waste of time and energy. I don’t want it or find it interesting. I’d rather spend time with friends, play golf, train, and focus on productive activities.”
Throughout the season, Norris’s honest reflections and unique mental approach have garnered attention, especially as he faces demands to adopt a more aggressive racing style, particularly against rivals like Max Verstappen. He strives to remain authentic, emphasizing a different vision of champion behavior.
“There’s a very prescribed idea of how a world champion should be—overly aggressive,” Norris told The Guardian. “I want to win a championship, but I’d rather be a good person and try to do well.”
He remains firm in his belief that he can become a world champion without compromising his values or adopting the harsh “f**k you” mentality often expected in the sport. “I’ll do whatever I can to win, but I won’t sacrifice who I am. I want to enjoy my life and still believe I can be a world champion by being a nice guy.”