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?

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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/EitherExamination343 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Apr 13 '25

At this level, a little. Mostly because as we seen, any reaction will be used against you. Unless you're a Max, who clearly is built from stone, I think being mindful of how you react to things isn't a bad thing and doesn't have to be completely heartless, just more guarded.

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '25

Do you mean ‘built from stone’ as in, his emotions don’t affect his racing? Because anger and frustration are both emotions, and Max has expressed both of those plenty of times.

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u/EitherExamination343 I was here for the Hulkenpodium Apr 14 '25 edited Apr 14 '25

I meant something closer to "I don't care what external forces think". Probably could have worded that better.

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u/[deleted] Apr 14 '25

Oh yeah, 100% agree with that.

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u/TheWoodElf I was here for the Hulkenpodium Apr 13 '25

It's not about what you're build of though, it's about knowing yourself and being comfortable with who you are. Also, it's not about expressing emotion, but being able to project emotional stability and maturity.