Lando Norris turns his back on major distraction as McLaren ace adopts new routine

Lando Norris has revealed that he quit all social media ‘weeks ago’, explaining that he ‘doesn’t enjoy’ spending time on the platforms. The Brit has worked hard to maintain a strong mental approach in 2025 amid an internal challenge from team-mate Oscar Piastri. The two McLaren drivers are locked into a fight for the Drivers’ Championship title, with Piastri currently 16 points clear at the top of the standings.

Max Verstappen and George Russell are also in the picture, although the dominance of the MCL39 makes their drivers the clear favourites. Heading into the year, many tipped Norris as the obvious favourite if McLaren’s pre-season advantage over Red Bull materialised. However, since winning in Melbourne, the 25-year-old has struggled to match his team-mate’s performances, and this has led to some intense social media criticism.

Norris, though, hasn’t been looking at the social media negativity. "I've not been on social media for a few weeks now," he revealed ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. "It's just not something I enjoy. I don't need to. It's my life. I can do what I like.”

After Norris’ social media approach was compared to fellow McLaren alumnus Kimi Raikkonen, the Bristol-born driver added: "I'm probably the same. 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 and all these things.

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

“I just see social media more, from my perspective, as 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. I just feel like I've got more time to do things that I want to do. I just want to spend time with my friends. I go and play golf and train, and do things that are productive."

Norris’ attitude and mental approach have been a constant topic of debate this year. The five-time Grand Prix winner has adopted a self-critical approach, often dissecting his performances harshly in front of the TV cameras after qualifying and race sessions. Others have said he needs to be tougher in his on-track battles with Verstappen.

The Brit wants to do things his own way, though. “I feel like there is a very prescribed version of how people say a world champion needs to be – overly aggressive,” he told The Guardian. “I want to win a championship. I’d rather just be a good person and try to do well.

“I’ll do whatever I can to win a championship but maybe I won’t sacrifice in my life as much as some others, in terms of who I am as a person and have the ‘f**k you’ mentality people say you’ve got to have. I still believe I can be a world champion, but doing it by being a nice guy. I want to just enjoy my life.”