In today’s world of constant connectivity, sometimes the best way to protect your mental health is as simple as putting your phone down.
That’s exactly what Formula One driver Lando Norris has discovered amid the pressure of competing at the highest level.
Away from the roaring engines and flashing cameras, Norris finds peace and perspective in unexpected places — and a major part of that involves switching off from social media.
Finding Calm in the Chaos
Picture this: Norris relaxing in the McLaren hospitality area, eyes locked on a golf tournament playing on the screen.
The tension is palpable as Rory McIlroy misses a crucial putt.
For Norris, golf isn’t just a pastime — it’s a refuge from the high-octane world of Formula One.
After a tough season start where he lost his lead in the driver standings to teammate Oscar Piastri, moments like these offer a much-needed break.
Having kicked off the season with a win in Melbourne, Norris now trails Piastri by 16 points.
Meanwhile, Piastri has been on fire, claiming four wins in the last five races.
That shift can chip away at confidence and open the door to doubt, both internally and in the public eye.
Social Media Detox: Norris’s Winning Strategy
Norris’s way of coping? He’s taken a deliberate step back from social media.
“I haven’t been on social media for a few weeks now,” he admits.
“It’s just not something I enjoy, and honestly, I don’t need it. It’s my life, and I get to decide how to live it.”
He still uses his phone — texting friends and staying connected in meaningful ways — but scrolling through endless social feeds? That’s off the table.
“Social media feels like a waste of time and energy,” he says.
“I don’t find it interesting, and cutting back doesn’t necessarily make me feel better, but it gives me more time to do what I actually want.”
For Norris, that means spending quality time with friends, hitting the golf course, training, and focusing on things that boost his performance and happiness.
Behind the Scenes of a Comeback
Although his Instagram saw a recent post (probably by his team), the 25-year-old from Bristol is clearly gearing up mentally and physically for a fresh start at Imola this weekend.
The competition remains fierce — Piastri edged him by fractions of a second in practice sessions — but Norris seems ready to channel his energy into turning things around.
Hamilton’s Own Digital Retreat
Lando isn’t the only star seeking solace offline.
Lewis Hamilton, making his first Ferrari appearance in front of passionate Tifosi fans at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, has also taken steps to disconnect.
Despite boasting 39.5 million Instagram followers compared to Norris’s 9.9 million, Hamilton has unfollowed everyone and everything since a disappointing finish in Miami.
In a surprising move, he even unfollowed Ferrari, teammate Charles Leclerc, and his own bulldog, Roscoe.
This digital cleansing isn’t new for Hamilton — he last purged his social media after a heartbreaking title loss to Max Verstappen five years ago.
Clearly, the online world can weigh heavily, even on champions.
Racing Against the Odds
With Ferrari’s hopes pinned on a win this season, the challenge remains steep.
Practice sessions saw Leclerc and Hamilton trailing the front runners, suggesting that luck and strategy will be just as important as raw speed.
But one thing’s clear: social media distractions aren’t part of their focus right now.
What’s Next for Norris and Hamilton?
Both Norris and Hamilton show that sometimes, taking control of your digital life is a crucial part of preparing for the battles ahead.
Whether it’s stepping away from social feeds or finding calm in golf, managing mental wellbeing is becoming as important as physical training in the race for success.