It was a breakout season for McLaren’s superstar Formula One driver, Lando Norris. The second half of the season saw a string of exceptional performances from the British racer that catapulted him into contention for the Formula One drivers championship. With a series of race wins, impressive podium finishes and pole positions, Norris has solidified his status as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
But as the 2024 Formula One season comes to an end this weekend in Abu Dhabi, Esquire Middle East caught up with the McLaren driver (and TUMI brand ambassador) to discuss what he does away from the track.
ESQUIRE: What a whirlwind season that was! You guys at McLaren have been building to this for several years, but did your performance during the second half of the season come to you as a surprise?
Lando Norris: I’ve always known McLaren is capable of fighting for multiple race wins, and we definitely showed that this season. The credit goes to the men and women at the factory back in England, and those at the circuit each weekend putting in the hours so we can be racing at the front.
ESQ: What does winning a Grand Prix feel like?
Lando Norris: There’s nothing like it. The whole weekend builds up to the main event on Sunday. There is so much preparation, so much hard work from everyone, and seeing it all come to life—when you drive by the chequered flag and the team is waving on the pit wall, and then standing on top of the podium in front of everyone—it is absolutely incredible.
ESQ: Now the season is over, where do you go for your break?
Lando Norris: Firstly, I always try and spend some time with my family over Christmas, and then I’ll get out to somewhere warm for the first part of the year, before we get straight back into preparation mode for the start of the new season.
ESQ: Where was the last place you went on holiday?
Lando Norris: Portugal. I often go there with friends just to hang out. It’s beautiful out there.
ESQ: When you’re on holiday, do you prefer to sit by the beach/pool and relax, or do you rather keep active?
Lando Norris: Probably a mix of both. I definitely have days where I just want to chill, but I also can be quite energetic and I like trying new things. So, both!
ESQ: Aside from the obvious things (passport, phone etc.), what are three things that you always pack when you’re travelling?
Lando Norris: I’m a gamer, so I usually have my games and controllers with me so I can play wherever I’m going. Also comfortable clothes, you never know when you’ll need a sweatshirt to change into. There’s also lots of miscellaneous things likes notebooks, tablets etc.
ESQ: Are you an over-packer or under-packer?
Lando Norris: Definitely an over-packer! I basically pack my whole life into my range of TUMI luggage. My Extended Trip Packing Case and Navigation Backpack can hold a lot!
ESQ: As a TUMI ambassador what features does your luggage or travel accessories need to have to keep up with someone who travels as often as you do?
Lando Norris: Definitely durability. I need to ensure that my luggage can hold up through all of my travelling—which TUMI has proved again and again it can. The Alpha X collection in particular is super hard wearing, so I travel with it a lot.
ESQ: In what way does having that side of your travel experience sorted help you on the track?
Lando Norris: It actually makes a huge difference. As an athlete who travels constantly, having travel gear that is peak quality and durable is essential. When you remove the concern of things like your bags not fitting what you pack or breaking, it allows you to focus on other aspects, such as being the best version of myself and my performance on the racetrack.
ESQ: While you’re travelling (and not gaming), what songs are on your playlist?
Lando Norris: I have a “Chilled Country” playlist which is packed full of songs I’ve been listening to recently.
Lando Norris is TUMI brand ambassador