Lando Norris shuts off social media as F1 title battle intensifies
Lando Norris Steps Away from Social Media to Focus on Formula 1 Championship
As the Formula 1 championship heats up, McLaren's Lando Norris has decided to step away from social media to focus on the task at hand. With the rivalry against teammate Oscar Piastri growing stronger, the British driver has opted for a refreshing shift in priorities.
A Personal Choice
"I've not been on social media for a few weeks now," Norris revealed during media interviews at Imola ahead of the seventh race of the 24-round season. "It's just not something I enjoy. I don't need to. It's my life. I can do what I like."
The decision to ditch social media hasn’t been prompted by external pressures, Norris clarified. It’s more about reclaiming time and energy, allowing him to focus on activities off the track that contribute to his mental and physical well-being. The timing of this decision comes amid a close competition with Piastri, who overtook him in the standings after claiming the championship lead in Jeddah last month.
Growing Competition with Oscar Piastri
Norris opened the season with an impressive win in Melbourne but has since seen Piastri pull ahead with four victories in the first six races of the season. The Australian driver currently leads Norris by 16 points and is aiming for his fourth consecutive win at Sunday’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
Social Media and Mental Well-Being
Despite his massive following of 9.9 million fans on Instagram, Norris has never been shy about addressing mental health concerns and the pressures of fame. Yet, as he described, social media isn't a priority.
"I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I still use my phone and I'm still texting my friends—it's just social media, from my perspective, feels like a waste of my time and energy, and I just don't need it. I don't want it. I don't find it interesting," reiterated the Briton.
Instead, Norris is spending his time more productively, golfing, training, and hanging out with close friends. "I just feel like I've got more time to do things that I want to do," he explained, sharing his commitment to living a balanced life amidst the demanding F1 schedule.
Parallels with Kimi Raikkonen
The decision draws parallels with Formula 1 legend Kimi Raikkonen, who famously avoided social media and once remarked that he would throw his phone into a lake if he could. Norris acknowledged the comparison, saying, "I'm probably the same."
Lewis Hamilton’s Social Media Shake-Up
Meanwhile, another notable social media shake-up involves seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. The Ferrari star recently unfollowed all accounts on Instagram, including his teammate Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, and even his own Mission 44 foundation. It’s not the first time Hamilton has revamped his social media presence—it’s a move reminiscent of the clean slate he adopted following the heartbreak of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
When asked about Hamilton's social media purge, Norris supported his fellow Briton's decision: "Lewis can do what he wants. Good for him."
Focus and Mental Clarity
As the battle for the Formula 1 championship intensifies, both Norris and Hamilton seem determined to prioritize focus and mental clarity, steering clear of the often overwhelming influence of social platforms. Sunday’s race at Imola promises to be a dramatic chapter in an already thrilling season.
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