Lando Norris has claimed that it would be “stupid” to become too focused on the “bigger picture” in his developing Formula 1 title battle in 2024 with Max Verstappen.
Norris has capitalised on McLaren emerging as the benchmark team this term to become a genuine championship contender with two victories in the last four races.
But although those wins have helped the Woking-based squad take the lead in the Constructors’ Championship, Norris lies a substantial 52 points behind Verstappen.
With time running out this season, Verstappen can come home in second behind the Dutchman in each round – including the three Sprint races – and retain his crown.
However, Norris, who is chasing a maiden F1 title, has expressed his credence that it would be counterproductive to spend time mulling over the points permutations.
“For me, the less I can think about it the better,” he said in an interview with The Athletic. “It’s hard when every question is basically just about that, you know?
“For me, it’s not trying to think of the bigger picture in a way. By doing that, and just focusing on one race at a time, or what I have to do tomorrow, then Saturday, then Sunday, I’m not thinking, ‘I need a good weekend this weekend, so I can do this next weekend.’
“It’s just stupid to think like that, I think.”
Norris not feeling heightened pressure
Norris has denied that the heightened pressure on him since McLaren’s return to the top has had an adverse impact on his approach to races or his decision-making.
“I don’t feel like I’m going out now like, ‘Oh God, I have to do this because I’m fighting for a championship’,” he added. “I’m not thinking of it like that at all, honestly.
“It’s more just putting that little bit more pressure on making the right decisions at times, knowing that certain decisions maybe have a bit more meaning or can have a bigger meaning.”
Norris ‘driving better than ever’
Norris, now in his sixth campaign in the sport, has revealed that his exposure to the sharp end has made him allocate more attention to managing the mental aspects.
“I’m definitely driving better now than I ever have,” he said. “You’re always adding to that side of it.
“But you’re getting to a point where more is done for the mental side and how you approach things, than actually driving the car two-hundredths quicker.”
READ MORE: Lando Norris lays down strategy for Max Verstappen F1 title fight
