Lando Norris’s breakthrough year in 2025 brought back attention to the long-discussed aspect of honesty in his personality. Speaking to BBC Somerset, former world champion and ex-McLaren driver Jenson Button said that he once believed this openness could cost Norris a title fight.
Norris enters the 2026 F1 season as the reigning champion, after a dramatic title-winning campaign that ended with the Briton edging Max Verstappen by just two points. One thing that stood out, off the track, was his media interviews. The 26-year-old did not hide his disappointment or frustrations, often speaking publicly about his mistakes and pressure.
“Lando is an outspoken driver. And I have to admit, I thought that would be his downfall. His talent is undeniable; he’s just incredibly fast. I can still remember his first McLaren test in Hungary very well. From the start, he was just super fast,” Button said via F1.NL
Jenson Button’s view came from years of watching Norris grow inside the same organisation. Norris replaced the former champion as McLaren’s reserve driver in 2018, after Button’s contract ended in 2017. Norris then made his F1 debut with McLaren in 2019 and remained with the team through its difficult midfield seasons before leading its rise back to championship contention.
In his career, Norris’ candour often brought scrutiny. In 2020, he downplayed Lewis Hamilton’s 92nd Grand Prix win, later clarifying and apologizing for his comments. Even last year, he called Red Bull’s approach “nonsense” in Qatar. Moments like these have led to a perception that he is sometimes too willing to speak before filtering his emotions.
By the end of 2025, however, Norris has matured. He led McLaren through a season-long title battle that also involved team-mate Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Norris trailed Piastri by more than 30 points mid-season after his team-mate won seven of the first 15 races. Piastri led the standings until the summer break, and Verstappen remained a constant threat, but Norris kept scoring consistently and sealed the championship in the finale. It marked McLaren’s first Drivers’ title since 2008 after it had won back-to-back Constructors’ crowns.
Button’s initial doubts were ultimately disproved. The trait he thought could be a weakness became part of what defined Lando Norris’ rise. He remained direct, but more measured, and channelled that openness into focus rather than self-criticism.
Jacques Villeneuve points to key mental shift for Lando Norris during 2025 title run
Another former world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, also highlighted Lando Norris’ mental evolution during the season. Speaking to PokerScout, the 1997 F1 champion credited a change in attitude as a turning point in the championship fight.
“We also saw quite a change in him during the season,” Villeneuve said via RN365. “Early in the season, he was always berating himself a lot. And that stopped in the second half. We saw a change of attitude as well. He stopped apologising for things, and he actually focused on what needed to be done. Once he wasn’t in the championship lead anymore, once things went backwards, and once the fight became a fight against Max.”
With McLaren defending both championships, Norris returns in 2026 carrying the No. 1 on his McLaren, with the team having confirmed that its new car will be launched in Bahrain on February 9 ahead of pre-season testing.
