Lando Norris Reflects on 2024 Championship Battle with Max Verstappen
Lando Norris, the young and ambitious driver for McLaren, recently acknowledged that starting the 2025 Formula 1 season on equal terms with Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion from Red Bull, will significantly alter how he can approach their on-track battles. Last year, McLaren began the season lagging behind Red Bull, but a pivotal upgrade in Miami transformed the MCL38 into the most competitive car from May onwards. Despite this improvement, Verstappen and Red Bull faced a 10-race winless streak due to car balance issues, yet this did little to dent Verstappen’s substantial points lead in the drivers’ championship. Norris, who mounted an unlikely title bid, found himself playing catch-up, a situation that profoundly influenced his racing strategy.
The Impact of Points Deficit
Norris’ title bid was hampered by several critical moments where he lost crucial points, most notably in the Austrian Grand Prix, where a collision with Verstappen forced him to retire while the Dutchman finished fifth. This incident, among others, highlighted the stark difference in their racing approaches. Verstappen’s aggressive style, rooted in his dominant championship position, allowed him to take more risks without significant repercussions. Conversely, Norris was more cautious, knowing that every point was crucial to his championship hopes. The Brazilian Grand Prix, where Verstappen’s exceptional win further solidified his title, only exacerbated Norris’ challenges.
Learning from Past Battles
Reflecting on the 2024 season, Norris admitted that he was not at the level he needed to be when facing Verstappen. "It was a tough year, but I learnt a lot from those moments," he said. Norris acknowledged specific instances where he made mistakes, such as leaving the door open for Verstappen at Texas Turn 1, and expressed a commitment to improving. "There are definitely things I need to tighten up on and improvements that I’ve got to make," he added. Norris, who is known for his self-criticism and willingness to learn, has already started working on these areas, feeling that he made significant progress by the end of last year.
A New Approach for 2025
As McLaren prepares to launch its MCL39, Norris is optimistic about the team’s prospects and his own racing strategy. Starting the season on equal footing with Red Bull would mean Norris can adopt a more aggressive approach, similar to Verstappen’s, without the pressure of making up a significant points deficit. "The main thing is just starting off on the right foot, which changes the mentality of every driver," Norris emphasized. He believes that the mental and strategic shifts will be crucial, particularly for Verstappen, who would have to adjust if he finds himself behind in the points.
Preparing for the Inevitable Confrontations
Norris is determined to show Verstappen that he is not willing to cede positions easily in the upcoming season. "I need to get my elbows out and I need to show him that I’m not going to willingly give him positions – those kinds of things," he stated. However, Norris also recognizes the importance of being a smart driver when going up against Verstappen, whose fierce and fearless style is well-documented. "You have to be a smart driver to go up against Max," he added. Norris is ready for the challenges ahead and looks forward to the battles with Verstappen, seeing them as opportunities to grow and improve.
Building on Lessons Learned
Norris’ reflections on the 2024 season are a testament to his maturity and determination. He understands that the key to success lies not just in raw talent but in continuous learning and adaptation. By starting the 2025 season on a level playing field, Norris believes he can apply the lessons from the previous year to his advantage. He is committed to making the necessary improvements and is confident that he can go toe-to-toe with Verstappen in a more competitive and assertive manner. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting and intense battle, and Norris is ready to show the world what he is capable of.
