False Confidence - Lando Norris

Chapter Six

Spending some time at home helped a lot with both my mood and outlook on the season. I could see how Dan was right about how there was still lots of time to change the standings around. At the same time, I realised my performance only got worse if I pushed myself into an anxious state, fearing I won't deliver what the team is waiting for. I had to somehow find the middle ground where I was relaxed but at the same time focused on the end goal. Getting to spend a whole week at my own home I could use my newfound free time for some cooking and talk with my family a bit more regularly while continuing the usual training with Mark. It would have been lovely to fully rest, but missing out on a whole week during an ongoing season wasn't a possibility. It would probably hurt me more during the next race than how much enjoyment being lazy could bring. Still, although my mind knew all of this, my body fought against me for several days and it was up to Mark to get me out of my bed. This way we could get the training out of the way and use the remaining time for other activities that were a lot more enjoyable.

It paid off as soon as we got back to racing at Silverstone. Getting into Q3 already made me content, but then getting the car into P6 was the cherry on top I didn't know we needed. The home Grand Prixs were always a bit easier, and I knew the huge amount of experience of the track would help me too. But it was still an achievement that spurred me on and let me take on the next race with a much better attitude than what I had before the weekend. The team seemed ecstatic as well, that I finally wasn't a moping mess and they could get me back fully into the flow of a race weekend easier. The practise sessions almost flew by with my head in it completely, and the excitement bubbling through my veins got me through all the data work we had to do before qualifying. They were part of most of our days, meaning I had to suffer through them quite regularly, although this time I was almost happy to take part and even join in on the conversation. I wasn't one to just push everything onto them, but studying all the data was never my favourite part, until now when I felt too hyper to just sit around mutely.

That smile stayed on my face even after I missed Q3 by 2 tenths and parked down before the crew pushed the car back into the garage. I could see the surprise on everyone's face when the helmet was finally off my head and my mood stayed chipper. I did have a little argument with myself during the last lap, but I had to remind myself that P11 was a perfect position to get the car into a point gaining position during the race. I just hoped it would be the reality during race day, and I wasn't just persuading myself that it was a possibility while I wasn't actually capable of delivering. We already saw that the car was capable of it here, meaning it was up to me to bring out the performance again and again. The team was happy if I just got into the points and brought the car home, but it felt like a waste of a race if I didn't try to give my all. Of course to the limit where I don't try and test out the limits. We already saw how that can end for me, and I wouldn't like to have a repeat of it and the pain it caused me both mentally and physically.

" So we're P14 instead of P11. " Aaron turned to me as soon as I had my helmet down on the table at the back of the garage. For a second I thought he was just making this year's worst joke but catching a glimpse of his face made me realise it's the truth. " I'm sorry, but it's still a good position. You have a huge chance for points with a good start on the Haas and the Ferrari. " He tried making it better but I could only shake my head a little. It was easy to say as he wasn't the one starting the race.

" Fantastic. For once I felt content for a few minutes. " I let out a sigh, sitting down next to him for a quick debrief. " And a good start on both of the McLarens, like that's possible. Still, that's only P10. " I rolled my eyes a bit, taking a sip from my water while we heard the team getting Dan inside on the other side of the garage. At least he was in the perfect position to fight for maybe even a podium.

" Look, you were quicker than any of them. You're put back, but that does not take away from the engine or your skills. " He offered some comfort, although I could still only let out a sigh. " Maybe Lando is a stretch, but that's your starting position then, which means you delivered what the car gave you. " Aaron added, making me look up at him for a second, before just rather getting to the data we had to read through. I didn't want to be reminded and think about it for the day.