Lando Norris talks about mental health problems in the rookie McLaren F1 season

In his first Formula 1 season in 2019, Lando Norris admits to being “often depressed” and wondering: “Will I be in Formula 1 next year? If not, what should I do?”

By Matt Morlidge

Last updated: 10/4/21 5:49 PM

Lando Norris has admitted that he was “often depressed” during his rookie season in the sport and worried about his F1 future when the McLaren driver spoke about the mental health problems he was facing.

Norris made his Formula 1 debut at the age of 19 in 2019, becoming the youngest British driver of all time. He quickly became a star on and off the track, showed immediate speed and proved to be very popular in the paddock and with the fans with his cheerful and fun-loving manner.

But Norris, who finished 11th in this campaign.

“I think people don’t see a lot of things a driver is going through while watching TV,” Norris said on This Morning on ITV. “It’s a bit of a shame but now there are more programs that you can watch the driver do is behind the scenes and how much pressure and stress it has to deal with.

“Especially at my age, when you come to Formula 1 at the age of 19, you get a lot of looks. Dealing with all of these things was very challenging for me.”

Norris, who came into F1 as a junior with an excellent reputation, added: “[I was] I feel like I don’t know what’s next if this goes wrong, if I don’t go out and perform in the next session, what is the result of all of this?

“Will I be in Formula 1 next year? If not, what should I do? Because I’m not really good at a lot of other things in life.

“So just all of that and then I often feel depressed when I have a bad weekend I just think I’m not good enough and things like that.

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Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris teamed up during the interview after their dramatic battle that led to Hamilton’s 100th career victory

Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris teamed up during the interview after their dramatic battle that led to Hamilton’s 100th career victory

“When they add up over a season and the social media page of it all, it can really start to hurt you.”

Norris credits a combination of his McLaren team’s support and working with the mentally healthy charity Mind, which has helped him achieve a much happier headspace.

“I’m in a much better place now. I’m much happier and enjoy everything I do,” said Norris.

Norris is enjoying an excellent 2021 season and is currently fourth overall. He almost won the Russian GP before it rained, and Lewis Hamilton ended up taking his 100th victory.