EP108 - Lando Norris: The truth about life in Formula One

In this week’s episode we chat with 22 year-old, British-Belgian racing driver Lando Norris. Lando shares with us how he does not take his privilege for granted, he sees the life given to him by his parents as an investment by them, something he needs to repay. We chat about self-doubt, family and the importance of kindness. 

Lando talks about how although he is his “own biggest critic”, he now knows when to give himself a pat on the back and allow time to celebrate. He shares the significance of self-reflection and self-improvement, takes us step by step through the Russia GP heartache and how he overcame self doubt in his first F1 season.

For more F1 HPP episodes, you can listen or watch:

Toto Wolff: thehighperformancepodcast.com/podcast/toto-wolff

Christian Horner: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/podcast/christian-horner

Mark Webber: https://www.thehighperformancepodcast.com/podcast/markwebber

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We are excited to announce a new addition to The High Performance Circle: The Monday Motivation Newsletter. The purpose of Monday Motivation is to connect more regularly with you! We want to give Circle members a bit of inspiration, motivation and purpose at the beginning of each week. Whether that is a few key things to consider when facing the upcoming week, reading recommendations or ideas to think about when listening to the weekly podcast episode. Sign up now. Just go to www.thehighperformancepodcast.co.uk 

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## Episode Summary: Lando Norris: Self-Doubt, Family, and the Importance of Kindness

In this episode of The High Performance Podcast, host Jake Humphrey talks to 22-year-old British-Belgian racing driver Lando Norris. Norris shares his unique perspective on the world of Formula One racing, discussing the challenges and rewards of being a young driver in a high-pressure sport.

### Key Points:

- **Self-Doubt**: Norris admits to struggling with self-doubt, particularly in his early years in Formula One. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong support system and surrounding oneself with people who believe in you.


- **Family and Upbringing**: Norris credits his family for instilling in him the values of humility and hard work. He acknowledges the privilege of his upbringing but also emphasizes that he feels a responsibility to repay the investment his parents have made in his career.


- **Importance of Kindness**: Norris believes that kindness is essential in all aspects of life, both on and off the track. He shares anecdotes about how he interacts with the McLaren team and how he tries to create a positive and supportive environment.


- **Overcoming Hardships**: Norris reflects on the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, where he experienced heartbreak after a late-race engine failure cost him a potential victory. He explains how he overcame the disappointment and self-doubt that followed by focusing on the positives and learning from the experience.


- **Finding Enjoyment**: Norris emphasizes the importance of enjoying the process and finding fulfillment in the journey, rather than solely focusing on the end result. He believes that this mindset helps him stay motivated and perform at his best.


- **Social Media and Mental Health**: Norris acknowledges the impact of social media on mental health, particularly for young people. He encourages listeners to be mindful of their social media consumption and to seek support if they are struggling with mental health issues.

### Memorable Quotes:

- "I never wanted him to pay for me to come into Formula One... I like personally, as a feeling, I wouldn't want to come into Formula One having to pay for it." - Lando Norris


- "The one thing my mom and dad have done very well, I would say, is keep me grounded and kind of realize or live the life, let's say, as normally as possible." - Lando Norris


- "One thing I've not really mentioned as much or I mentioned a little bit earlier was the one thing for me that motivates me more than anything is is enjoyment and just fun fun and enjoyment like if I'm enjoying something it makes me work harder and makes me want it more." - Lando Norris


- "When things start to go wrong, when you make a couple of mistakes and the media have a little dig at you and then fans and you know people on social media start to have a more of a dig at you you that's when like that self-doubt that sometimes I would have like that grows when people kind of just add on to that you know." - Lando Norris


- "I think all of it would already start at the first race. Just like we kind of spoke about, the amount of people which are here working on everything and like at that point I just feel like just another driver." - Lando Norris

### Overall Message:

Lando Norris's journey in Formula One is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong support system, maintaining a positive mindset, and finding enjoyment in the journey. Norris also highlights the need for kindness and compassion in all aspects of life, both on and off the track.

**Navigating Self-Doubt and Overcoming Challenges: A Conversation with Lando Norris**

**A Journey of Self-Reflection and Growth**

In this episode of The High Performance Podcast, Lando Norris, the 22-year-old British-Belgian racing driver, shares his experiences navigating self-doubt, the importance of family, and the power of kindness. Norris reflects on his journey in Formula One, the highs and lows, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

**Confronting Self-Doubt**

Norris acknowledges that self-doubt is a common challenge for many, including himself. He admits to being his "own biggest critic" but emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between self-criticism and self-appreciation. He highlights the significance of celebrating achievements and recognizing progress, even amidst setbacks.

**The Russia GP Heartbreak and Its Aftermath**

Norris delves into the emotional rollercoaster he experienced during his first Formula One season, particularly the heartbreak of the Russia GP. He describes the intense pressure and self-doubt that plagued him as he battled for the lead against Lewis Hamilton in wet conditions. Norris reflects on the lessons learned from this experience, emphasizing the need for clear communication and concise information exchange between drivers and their teams.

**The Importance of Enjoyment and Balance**

Norris stresses the importance of finding enjoyment in one's work and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He emphasizes the positive impact of taking time away from racing to focus on personal well-being and relationships. Norris believes that this balance helps him stay motivated and perform at his best.

**Responsibility and Communication**

Norris discusses the concept of responsibility, defining it as the ability to respond effectively in challenging situations. He reflects on the intense communication and decision-making required during races, particularly in wet conditions. Norris emphasizes the need for clear and concise communication between drivers and their teams to make informed decisions and achieve optimal results.

**Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward**

Norris shares his approach to learning from mistakes and moving forward. He highlights the importance of self-reflection and identifying areas for improvement. Norris believes that analyzing mistakes and understanding the factors that contributed to them is crucial for personal growth and development. He emphasizes the need to focus on the things within one's control and strive for continuous improvement.

**The Pursuit of a First Win**

Norris addresses the desire to achieve his first Formula One race win. He acknowledges the excitement and motivation that comes with this goal but cautions against becoming overly obsessed with the outcome. Norris believes that setting process goals and focusing on performance aspects within his control is essential for achieving success. He emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and appreciating the progress made along the way.

**The Influence of Role Models**

Norris reflects on the influence of role models in his life, particularly his parents and other successful racing drivers. He acknowledges the inspiration and motivation he draws from these individuals and their achievements. Norris believes that having positive role models can help shape one's aspirations and drive for success.

**The Power of Kindness**

Norris emphasizes the importance of kindness and compassion, both on and off the track. He believes that treating others with respect and empathy creates a positive and supportive environment. Norris shares his experiences of receiving kindness from others and how it has impacted his life. He encourages listeners to be kind to themselves and to those around them.

**Conclusion: A High-Performance Mindset**

Lando Norris's journey in Formula One is a testament to his resilience, determination, and commitment to continuous improvement. His ability to navigate self-doubt, learn from mistakes, and maintain a positive mindset has contributed to his success. Norris's emphasis on enjoyment, balance, and kindness serves as a reminder of the importance of these elements in achieving high performance.

# Episode Summary: Lando Norris – The High-Performance Podcast

## Introduction:
- The podcast host introduces the guest, Lando Norris, a 22-year-old British-Belgian racing driver for McLaren in Formula One.
- Lando shares his perspective on privilege, self-doubt, family, and the importance of kindness in his life and career.

## Self-Reflection and Improvement:
- Lando acknowledges that he is his own biggest critic but has learned to celebrate his achievements and take time for self-reflection.
- He reflects on the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, where he overcame self-doubt and held off Lewis Hamilton for an extended period, boosting his confidence.

## Dealing with Scrutiny and Social Media:
- Lando discusses the challenges of being in the public eye and facing scrutiny from fans and media.
- He emphasizes the importance of being careful with what he says in interviews to avoid misinterpretations and negative reactions.
- Lando highlights the significance of gaining respect by standing up for his opinions and accepting that not everyone will agree with him.

## The Importance of Enjoyment and Balance:
- Lando stresses the importance of enjoying life and making time for activities outside of racing.
- He believes in finding a balance between work and personal life to maintain a healthy mindset.
- Lando emphasizes the value of kindness and helping others, recognizing the positive impact it can have on both the giver and the receiver.

## Sacrifice and the High-Performance Mindset:
- Lando reflects on the sacrifices he has made to pursue his racing career, particularly the time spent away from his family and friends.
- He acknowledges that it was a difficult choice but believes it was necessary to achieve his goals.
- Lando emphasizes the importance of enjoying the journey and learning from both successes and failures.

## Final Message:
- Lando shares his golden rule for a high-performance life: "Enjoy it."
- He encourages listeners to enjoy what they do, take breaks when needed, and pursue activities that bring them joy.

## Additional Points:
- The host and co-host discuss the importance of celebrating successful individuals who come from privileged backgrounds and recognizing that money alone does not guarantee success.
- They highlight the significance of recognizing the struggles and challenges that even privileged individuals might face in their journey to success.
- The host mentions that Lando's story is an example of how a supportive and loving upbringing can contribute to an individual's success.
- The co-host emphasizes the importance of understanding that privilege does not eliminate the need for hard work, discipline, and determination in achieving success.

# High Performance Podcast Episode Summary: Lando Norris on Self-Doubt, Family, and Kindness

**Introduction**

- This episode features a conversation with 22-year-old British-Belgian racing driver Lando Norris.
- Norris shares his perspective on privilege, self-doubt, family, and the importance of kindness.
- He emphasizes the significance of self-reflection, self-improvement, and overcoming self-doubt.

**Key Points:**

1. **Privilege and Gratitude:**
- Norris acknowledges that he does not take his privilege for granted.
- He views the life given to him by his parents as an investment that he needs to repay.

2. **Self-Doubt and Self-Reflection:**
- Norris admits to being his "own biggest critic."
- However, he has learned to recognize when to give himself a pat on the back and celebrate his achievements.
- He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and continuous improvement.

3. **Overcoming Self-Doubt in Formula One:**
- Norris shares his experience of overcoming self-doubt during his first Formula One season.
- He highlights the importance of focusing on the next step and having a strong support system.

4. **The Importance of Kindness:**
- Norris emphasizes the value of kindness and being a good person.
- He believes that kindness can make a significant impact on the world.

5. **Teamwork and Collaboration:**
- Norris acknowledges the importance of teamwork and collaboration in Formula One.
- He credits the fantastic support he has received from his team and family for his success.

**Conclusion:**

- Norris's message is one of resilience, self-awareness, and gratitude.
- He encourages listeners to embrace self-reflection, celebrate their achievements, and prioritize kindness.
- The episode highlights the importance of a positive mindset, a strong support system, and the power of teamwork in achieving success.