Norris says he misses success, even if fame has its flip-side

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium, July 17 : Lando Norris is missing that winning feeling, even as he lives the life of a Formula One world champion and all that comes with it.

The McLaren driver achieved a career dream when he won the title last season, ending Red Bull rival Max Verstappen's run of four championships in a row, but the victories have dried up since the sport entered a new rules era.

A year ago Norris lined up on pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix and finished runner-up to teammate Oscar Piastri but the Briton will start Sunday's race on the back foot with a 10-place grid penalty after changes to his car's power electronics unit.

The 26-year-old has not won a Grand Prix since last November, a run of 12 races without standing on top of the podium, and McLaren are third overall. 

"Every time I put my helmet on, I'm just as motivated to do the best job I absolutely can," he said at Spa-Francorchamps. "I just simply miss the success. I miss standing on a podium, spraying the champagne, holding a trophy.

"Of course you get used to winning races and fighting for a podium every weekend, and now I'm just missing it."

TWO RACE RETIREMENTS AND ONE NON-START

Norris has had two Grand Prix podiums so far in 2026 - second place in Miami in a May race he might have won and third in Barcelona in June - but also two retirements and one failure to start.

"There is that little fire you get when success comes your way and you are fighting for the world championship... that kind of is a little bit dimmer. But I wouldn’t go out on track not wanting to do my absolute best,” he said.

Away from the track, the champion is experiencing the flip side of success - being chased by paparazzi photographers through the streets of London and having