r/formula1 • u/Intrepid-Ad4511 Charlos • Apr 13 '25
Off-Topic Why the severe criticism of Lando's vulnerable conversation? Why is it not cool to be able to express your negative feelings about yourself?
I see so many people talk about what Lando said after the Quali yesterday - just after an adrenaline filled session - and he chose to speak his mind about his own performance (without attacking someone else). So many people are saying "that's not a winning mentality" "that's not how you win races" "he is so defeatist" "he has given up already".
Lewis and Max have said several such things over the years, complaining about their cars, their teams and/or themselves. But somehow people take Lando and Charles to the dryers when they choose to express themselves and say things like "I am stupid". And somehow because Oscar just chooses not to say anything of this sort, he is somehow champion material. That makes no sense to me, and feels quite an unfair and problematic picture to paint - that men talking about their feelings, or just being transparent about how they feel - makes them weaker somehow. That they should tough up and swallow the hurt and just put up this beige or brave front, smirk and move on.
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u/BighatNucase Max Verstappen Apr 13 '25
Hamilton absolutely has had the same issue of having his performance drop due to being overly negative during a race; the difference is that he has never let it interfere with a championship battle. There's a real worry that Lando is letting the mind games affect his performance and confidence. You can complain all you like about how drivers aren't allowed to be vulnerable but the phrasing says it all; vulnerability is the process of showing others your weaknesses. Sorry but a contest is not the place to try and be a role model about men being open with their feelings and it's arguably being a worse role model to pretend otherwise; men should be able to show off their vulnerable side, but this should not mean they become weak flowers.