McLaren’s Lando Norris is enjoying an antisocial life in isolation as his « worst nightmare » is interacting with large groups of people or strangers.
The laid-back Norris quickly become one of F1’s most popular drivers in 2019, a campaign which saw him named rookie of the year. The introverted 20-year-old is relishing his time in lockdown away from the usual attention he would receive as an F1 driver.
Speaking on the In the Pink podcast, Norris said: « Obviously I have laughs and stuff.
« It does come across that way on TV, not because it’s not something I am because when it’s me and Carlos [Sainz, his McLaren teammate] joking about and having laughs, that I love doing as well.
« But then I hate the crowds — not the [F1] crowds, I love the fans and everything of course – but I hate big groups of people. My worst nightmare is dinners and having to sit next to someone and getting forced to speak to them. I really don’t want to speak to anyone. That’s what I just don’t like.
« But everyone’s different, some people love being social whereas I just love being antisocial. It’s my jam. »
Norris has admitted he needs to take a more serious approach to racing for his sophomore season. The Englishman is prominent on social media and streaming service Twitch, where he has set record-breaking esports numbers during the coronavirus pandemic.
He says those activities suit his personality perfectly.
« I just enjoy spending time alone and doing things that I love to do. So if I was at home, say, I would still spend the whole day in my room painting or designing or something like that.
« It’s not the fact that I’m away from everyone else, it’s the fact of just being alone and listening to my music and doing things I enjoy whether it’s designing or playing on my simulator or chatting with my friends or something.
« As long as I still get to do the things that I love to do and like to do then I’m happy so it doesn’t really matter where I am in the world. If I still get to do those things, then I’m still happy with what’s going on. »
McLaren has already confirmed Norris will remain with the team in 2021, where he will partner new signing Daniel Ricciardo, who is replacing Ferrari-bound Carlos Sainz.
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/29193061/being-antisocial-my-jam-says-mclaren-lando-norris
