Lando Norris opens up on self-doubt behind his 2025 F1 championship

Lando Norris has shared details on how he was proud to prove himself wrong after clinching the 2025 Formula 1 drivers' championship.

The McLaren driver fought hard all season with his team-mate Oscar Piastri for the title, and a late surge from Red Bull's Max Verstappen put him in contention for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Verstappen won the race at the Yas Marina Circuit, followed by Piastri in second and Norris in third. But ultimately, it was Norris who claimed the title by two points over Verstappen, and Piastri finished in third.

Ahead of the summer break, Norris had been overtaken by Piastri in the standings, but the Briton came back stronger and put in consistent performances until the end of the season in comparison to the Australian driver, who had a six-grand-prix stint without a podium finish.

During an interview with BBC Sport, Norris clarified his previous comments, saying that he was proud to prove himself wrong.

Lando Norris, McLaren

Photo by: Mark Sutton / Formula 1 via Getty Images

"At times, I've not always had the most belief in myself. There's certainly been times even this year when Oscar's doing a better job than me and I wasn't doing a great job, and I was like, 'Well, maybe they're just a bit better. Maybe they can just be more consistent, get more out of the car.'

"I just never thought at times that it was possible. So for me to then do that for myself, to kind of go, 'Ah, you're wrong, you can do it.' It's a pretty incredible feeling to have for yourself.

"I wouldn't say I'm a very selfish person, but I think I've also learned at times I almost have to be more selfish with some of these feelings and thoughts, and I need that to almost make me a better and stronger driver."