Lando Norris told Axios at the Full Throttle Fandom panel that the surge of attention after his 2024 title win left him feeling unprepared for the backlash on social media. He said he "didn't deal with it very well," noting that negative comments hit him hard because he cares deeply about how people view him.
The pressure intensified at the start of the 2025 season, when Norris felt he was "getting a lot of crap" and feared he was letting McLaren down. He described Formula 1 as a "big circle" where on‑track success fuels fan growth and attracts partners. McLaren’s chief marketing officer Louise McEwen clarified that the team treats these relationships as partnerships rather than traditional sponsorships, tying business goals directly to performance.
Norris added that winning the championship boosted his confidence, helping him face the constant scrutiny. McLaren deliberately delayed some work on the 2026 regulation package to stay competitive in 2025, accepting a short‑term disadvantage. The team now faces a shifting audience, with half its supporters being newcomers and only about 1 % ever attending a race, prompting a focus on digital engagement and broader fan outreach.
