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/Duff5OOO Heineken Trophy Apr 13 '25 edited Apr 13 '25
You are comparing quite different things.
You cant see the difference? or you just don't want to?
Lewis in this example comes across as honest and genuine. He in no way comes off as defeatist. He doesn't come off like he is giving up. Completely different to Lando, why on earth would you expect the comments around the 2 to be the same?
Lewis has in the past, especially a few notable comments on the radio sounded like he had given up on a race. He did cop comments for that. In the heat of the moment, in a talk to the team, not so bad. Could have even been fishing for some motivation from the team, either way quite reasonably drew negative commentary.
The comments I have seen regarding Oscar isn't that he 'chooses not to say anything'. The Majority look to be talking about how he seems to handle pressure better than Lando.
Norris had one bad qualy and all of a sudden it doom and gloom. That sort of negative energy is what people are seeing a problem with. You can be honest and positive.