From the Track to the Screen: How Formula 1 Driver Finds Solace in Gaming

Lando Norris, the 25-year-old Formula 1 driver for McLaren, has a unique approach to navigating the high-stakes world of motorsports. As he battles for the drivers’ championship with his teammate Oscar Piastri, Norris believes it’s “tricky, but certainly not impossible” to maintain a close friendship with his rival.

Norris admits that having a strong working relationship with Piastri is natural, given the close proximity they share on the track. However, he also wants to come out on top in their title fight. “I want to have a laugh and enjoy as many moments as I can,” Norris says, highlighting the delicate balance between being friends and competitors. Norris’s relationship with Piastri has been put to the test this season, with the pair locked in a fierce battle for the championship. Despite the intense rivalry, Norris believes that they will not “properly fall out” as their title fight comes to a head.

For Norris, the ability to disconnect from the chaos of F1 is crucial. He credits gaming as a key aspect of his life, allowing him to feel “normal again” and reconnect with his childhood sense of fun. Norris has a massive following on streaming platform Twitch, where he streams his gaming sessions with his friends. On one hand, it’s a “different me” that he presents online, one that is more relaxed and carefree. On the other hand, Norris is keenly aware of his dual identities: the driven, competitive F1 driver and the laid-back gamer.

Norris’s love for gaming is deeply rooted in his childhood, where he would engage in heated racing competitions with his siblings. He believes that gaming has helped him develop the skills and mindset necessary to excel in F1. Norris also sees gaming as a way to maintain a sense of normalcy in his life, away from the pressures of being a high-profile athlete. “Gaming really helps me disconnect from a very chaotic, busy, stressful life,” Norris says. “For me, it’s important to disconnect and feel a little bit more normal again for a period of time.”

Norris’s passion for gaming has also led him to become an ambassador for gaming brand Sega. He was at the launch event for their new game, Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds, when he spoke to Newsbeat about the impact of gaming on his life. Norris believes that gaming has helped him develop his reactions and quick thinking, skills that are essential for success in F1. He also credits gaming with helping him develop his competitive spirit, which he believes is a key factor in his success on the track.

As Norris navigates the complexities of his dual life, he remains focused on his ultimate goal: winning. Whether it’s racing Oscar Piastri for the world title or dominating his siblings in gaming competitions, Norris is driven by a fierce competitive spirit. “I certainly had more fights with my siblings when I was a kid than I’ve had with Oscar,” he says with a chuckle, reflecting on the intense rivalries of his childhood. Norris’s ability to balance his dual lives is a testament to his dedication and commitment to his passions.