Norris: A lot of people talked ‘crap’ about Sochi 2021 F1 slip-up

Lando Norris thinks that his maiden Formula 1 win in Miami proved the doubters wrong, including those who talked “crap” about his missed chance in Russia in 2021.

Norris stood on the top step of an F1 podium for the first time ever at the Miami International Autodrome, bringing an end to a drought which had spanned 109 races.

The Briton had come close earlier in his career in September 2021 when he led the last race to take place in Sochi until a late rain shower saw the win evade his grasp.

McLaren had called him to the pits to change to Intermediates but Norris opted to remain on track, allowing Lewis Hamilton to capitalise when the weather worsened.

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When asked whether he was thinking about that missed opportunity during the closing stages in Miami, Norris said “Russia 21 was a very different situation to today.”

“A lot of people talk crap about Sochi and the things which went on and yes I potentially lost out on a victory, I did lose out on a victory.

“I and we, I think. I never want to drag the team down. I didn’t do the best of jobs and as a team, we didn’t.”

Norris believes that several people crafted the impression from that race that he couldn’t handle the added pressure that comes from racing at the front of the F1 grid.

However, Norris has claimed that he has entered this season in a better mental space and ignored noise from the outside to the benefit of his performances in the car.

“That happened and as much as people like to continue to use that and say even after China last weekend when I made a mistake in Turn One on Lewis,” he continued.

“I mean a lot of people doubted that I could go out and win races and perform under the pressure of leading the race, especially with Max [Verstappen] behind you.

“But really this year I felt more confident than ever.

“I wasn’t thinking of these things like probably last year I would have thought of it, but this year I’ve been much better with keeping my mind focused and focusing on my job.

“I’m doing a good job and I’m fast and I’m executing things exactly how I want to do. I’ve improved on a lot of my weaknesses and all that hard work’s paid off.”