The McLaren driver has confessed that he faced some tough times during his early F1 career as he struggled with the pressures to perform at such a young age.
But after working with both a good external support team and his own McLaren team, the young Briton has settled in a good place and is now enjoying Grand Prix racing again.
While some top sports stars refused to be so honest about such trouble, Norris wasn’t shy about talking about what he went through.
He recently spoke about the subject on ITV’s popular show This Morning, and he thinks it’s important that he take that stance.
He feels that speaking about his true feelings could help others who may be afraid to speak about problems they are facing.
Commenting on the growing awareness of mental health problems, Norris said, “I think I’m much better now than I was two years ago. And because of that I enjoy everything a lot more. You can enjoy life a lot more too.
“You don’t always worry and think and panic and so on. The way you feel is so much better. And I think the more people say it, the more trust each person has to get more help.
“It helped me a lot for me. And then I know that I can help other people too. I’m not just saying it because I want to tell you, I’m saying it because I know others are struggling with it.
Lando Norris, McLaren MCL35M, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin AMR21 and Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri AT02
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“That’s why it’s a good opportunity for me to help other people. And I think we also realize that these great athletes who say this aren’t just saying it because they want people to feel sorry for them.
“Because we know that we can also help younger people or the people of the world to feel better.”
Norris believes his troubles were something other drivers have gone through in their careers but may not have been able to be so open about them because attitudes were different back then.
“I’m sure there have been a lot of drivers in the past who have felt the same way or athletes who have felt the same way but never said anything,” he said.
“I don’t know if we are more open today or if we are more willing to express our feelings, some of the younger drivers now?
“Still, not all of them are. It’s not that every young driver says what they feel. It was just a few younger or more athletes who said it. “
He added, “But I think the more people say it, the more people realize the consequences and actions of other people. And social media can influence people’s feelings. “
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