As a Formula 1 (F1) fan, optimism comes easy. I can hope that my favorite driver will qualify first and win every race, but this only leaves me disappointed when inevitably, this doesn’t occur. Sure, there are a few races each year where I get a gut feeling that my favorite will win and he actually does, which gives me a sense of pride and joy, but most of the time I find myself dejected, with the prospect of winning so close, yet so far.

While I probably seem like I’m just rambling about F1 (as I love to do), there is a point behind this. When I think realistically about F1, understanding that McLaren driver Lando Norris (my favorite driver) cannot win every single race of the season, I’m less disappointed when he doesn’t win, and even more excited when he does win. 

Norris took an early lead of the 2025 World Drivers’ Championship, following his win during the Australian Grand Prix, the first race of the season. This win left me with a surge of optimism for the season ahead, with the knowledge that both Norris and the McLaren car were prepared to succeed. 

This optimism was halted however, as Norris went on a winless streak, ultimately losing the lead of the championship to his teammate Oscar Piastri. By remaining optimistic during this time, I was only disappointed by Norris’ lack of wins, as every race I hoped that he’d reach the top step of the podium once again. 

Throughout the 2025 season, Piastri only extended his championship lead over Norris, which led me to adopt a more realistic view of the sport. While Norris couldn’t exactly win every race of the season, or even a large amount, considering the form of his competitors, I knew he could still win the occasional race, which was true. As the season progressed, Norris began to close the gap to Piastri, yet with my realistic approach, I believed he wouldn’t regain the lead of the championship, and certainly wouldn’t win the entire thing. 

That made the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix even more special, as following his third place finish in the race, Norris was crowned the World Drivers’ Champion. I was ecstatic. Having played the realistic side, understanding that winning the championship was going to be a difficult task for the British driver, I was even more excited when he went and won it all. Had I followed my prior optimistic approach, it would’ve been hoped for and almost expected that Norris would win the championship, making it feel less special in the end.

Now that I’ve spent over 400 words rambling about F1, here’s why I find realism to be better than optimism. Realism allows me to understand the truth in a scenario, whether it be a Formula 1 season or if I’ll get out of work on time on a given day. Optimism holds much more room for disappointment, as you always expect the best, which often isn’t what happens. Next time you find yourself in a position where optimism seems to be a disadvantage, try thinking more realistically. It never hurts to try.

The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the Acumen staff. Reach Mady Kiser at [email protected].