McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris has said he wants to be viewed by fans as being more than “just a joker.”
The Brit, who regularly streams on Twitch and has earned a reputation for being one of Formula 1’s least serious drivers, has been in exceptional form so far this season.
He has scored three podiums from the opening 11 grand prix of 2021 and currently sits third in the Drivers’ Standings on 113 points.
Commenting on his social media usage and perception among F1 fans, Norris said he has been trying to show his fans how much work he puts into being a racing driver and how seriously he takes his job.
“A bit of that was reassurance and confidence from what I see on social media and stuff, just trying to be a better person and allow people to support me and like me,” Norris told Motorsport.com.
“I don’t want people just to see me as a joker or a guy who doesn’t take things seriously, because that’s not who I am. I just wanted to show them that I do put in effort, I do work very hard to do better and get the results I’m getting at the moment.
“It doesn’t come for free. And I just wasn’t very good at showing that side of it. I feel like I’ve showed a bit more of it over the last year and a half or so.
“A bit of it was just for myself, it made me feel better, and allow people to see me for who I am, not just a joker.
“People just like to post those photos and videos and stuff because it makes people laugh, that’s what people love to see. You aren’t as interested in seeing hard work and things like that.
“But it also gives people a good perception of who you are as a person and that was important to me. So I changed it for personal reasons.”