Lando Norris has revealed he's banned himself from social media after falling behind his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the Formula 1 championship standings ahead of Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old British driver, who was widely tipped as the pre-season favourite, now trails the Australian by 16 points after the opening six races of the season.
Norris has reportedly been subjected to online abuse since dropping behind Piastri, who has gained significant momentum in the early part of the season.
The Australian driver has now overtaken Norris as the bookmakers' favourite for the title, despite playing second fiddle his rivallast year.
Lando Norris has revealed he's banned himself from social media after falling behind his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the Formula 1 championship standings ahead of Sunday's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
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Speaking to reporters at Imola ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Norris opened up about his decision to step away from online platforms.
"I've not been on social media for a few weeks now. It's not something I enjoy. I don't need to be on it," the McLaren star admitted.
"It's my life and I can do what I like. I enjoy not going on my phone as much as I used to. I still text my friends.
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Lando Norris has struggled for consistency ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
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"I see social media as a waste of my time and energy. I don't need it or want it. I don't find it interesting."
The British driver also revealed he feels dissatisfied with his car's performance this season, despite currently sitting second in the standings.
"I'm obviously not happy at the moment, but we will see with the upgrades this week," Norris said.
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When asked if he was thinking about the title race, he responded firmly: "No, is the answer. I don't care about it and won't think about it. It is easy for things to change."
Regarding his team-mate's success, Norris hailed the Australian.
"Oscar has done a good job. But a lot of it is just focusing on myself," he said.
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"He's just another competitor. Another guy, he's just dressed in the same colours."
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has also taken action on social media, unfollowing everyone on Instagram, including all of his Ferrari team members.
This came in the days following his downplayed radio disagreement with team strategists during the Miami Grand Prix.
Lando Norris has struggled to reel in Oscar Piastri this term
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When asked about Hamilton's social media actions, Norris simply stated: "Lewis can do what he wants, good for him."
Hamilton's first season since leaving Mercedes has been disappointing so far.
Ferrari was expected to challenge for the title after finishing second in the Constructors' Championship last season, but Andrea Stella's team now sits 152 points behind leaders McLaren, with Hamilton 90 points behind Piastri in seventh place.
