Lando Norris says he wants fans to see him as a “good guy” as he continues his tense fight for the Formula One world championship.
The British driver is locked in a close title race with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, but the two have managed to stay respectful despite the pressure. Their civil relationship stands out in a sport known for fierce teammate rivalries.
Norris faced boos from a section of the crowd on the podium at Monza after Piastri was told to let him pass following a slow pit stop. Norris said the reaction did not bother him. “Normally the Italian fans have always been very good to me,” he said.
When asked if he enjoys a bad-boy image, Norris laughed. “It’s not a bad-boy image, it’s not like I did something, it wasn’t even my decision,” he explained.
“I don’t like to be disliked. I want to come across as a good guy and a nice guy. You’re never going to be liked by everyone, so I’ve come more to terms with that.”
Formula One history is filled with teammates who clashed during title fights, such as Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost or Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Norris credits both drivers and team management for keeping the McLaren rivalry under control. “It takes a combination of drivers to understand and be on board with it, and it also takes a team to be well run,” he said.
Norris arrives in Baku for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix 31 points behind Piastri in the standings. Between races, the 25-year-old joined golfer Matt Fitzpatrick in the BMW PGA Championship pro-am event at Wentworth. He enjoyed the change of pace and even welcomed some friendly heckling from the crowd.
Despite the boos in Italy, Norris remains focused on his championship challenge and on maintaining his reputation as one of Formula One’s most likeable competitors.
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