Now or never? Norris didn’t quite reach Max Verstappen’s level last year, but as Kieran Jackson points out, the British driver needs to seize his chance this year, especially with teammate Oscar Piastri eager to surpass him.
Crossing the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi during the last race of 2024, securing a first constructors’ title in 26 years for McLaren, evoked mixed feelings for the upbeat Lando Norris.
On one side, it was sheer joy. Having been part of the McLaren family for eight years, this was significant to Norris just as it was to anyone else. He called it a “perfect” conclusion to the season, winning the championship over Ferrari by 14 points. And he wouldn’t require an invitation; he was planning to get “hammered” that night across the border in Bahrain.
Nevertheless, in the same moment, even during the cheerful papaya-filled festivities on the pit wall, the lad from Bristol couldn’t avoid experiencing that bittersweet flavor. “It’s been a remarkable year,” he communicated via team radio, then continued: “And next year will be my year as well.”
Norris was aware. All were aware. It might have been far more substantial.
It would be an exaggeration to claim that Norris lost the F1 drivers’ title last year; in reality, he was never leading. Yet many opportunities in quicker machinery appeared and vanished – Barcelona, Budapest, Brazil, to mention just the Bs – and Max Verstappen, now a four-time champion, taught his close friend a thing or two about winning titles. The Dutchman, the finest of his era, was a worthy champion.
However, this season, with early testing results suggesting that McLaren possesses the fastest car overall, should be distinct. It must happen if Norris is to achieve his potential and secure his first Formula 1 world title.
The 25-year-old is the bookmakers’ favorite, in a season expected to be one of the tightest ever. He secured victory in four races in 2024, achieving a 50 percent conversion rate from eight pole positions. His problems on the first lap are well-recorded: counting sprint races, he has not begun lap two in the lead on nine out of 11 F1 pole positions.
It is a record he must eliminate if he wants to turn hopeful Saturdays into optimal points on Sundays. However, he recognized during the off-season that there can be “no excuses now.”
“I think Lando is prepared,” says Mika Hakkinen, a two-time champion with McLaren in 1998 and 1999. “He is completely prepared to reach his objective and has the potential to become a world champion.”
When you are not a world champion and are striving for that objective, it necessitates making numerous mistakes.
“I believe Lando has achieved all these aspects in his career.” He has been taking chances, he has been hard on himself, he has been pushing relentlessly.
Tensions escalated at McLaren during their comeback last year. The notorious “papaya rules” directive – where Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri were regretfully informed they could race each other but only without jeopardy – was myopic. It indicated a team not used to competing at the forefront.
A Crucial Season for Norris
The 2025 season presents an opportunity that Norris cannot afford to squander. While McLaren had already made a remarkable resurgence, this year’s car is anticipated to be the fastest on the grid, at least based on early testing data. Unlike previous years where McLaren played catch-up to Red Bull and Mercedes, they now find themselves leading the charge.
With a car capable of winning consistently, Norris can no longer rely on the excuse that McLaren lacks the raw pace to challenge Verstappen and Red Bull. The tools are now in place; all that remains is for Norris to capitalize on them.
However, competition will be fierce. Verstappen remains at the peak of his powers, having mastered the art of extracting everything from his car while making minimal errors. Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, will be eager to rectify their previous shortcomings. Even Mercedes, despite a tough 2024, cannot be discounted with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the helm.
And then there’s the matter of his teammate, Oscar Piastri. The young Australian has proven himself a formidable competitor, showing flashes of brilliance throughout 2024. If Norris does not establish himself as the clear leader within McLaren, the team could find itself divided between the two drivers—something that would only work in Red Bull’s favor.
Learning from Verstappen
To take the final step and become a world champion, Norris must learn from his close friend and rival, Max Verstappen. The Dutchman’s dominance in recent years has stemmed from an uncanny ability to minimize mistakes, manage races strategically, and deliver when it matters most.
Norris, on the other hand, has shown glimpses of that same potential but has yet to sustain it over an entire season. His biggest weakness remains his starts—too often, he has lost ground at the beginning of races, forcing him to play catch-up. If he can improve in that area, the foundation for a title-winning campaign will be firmly in place.
His ability to handle pressure will also be tested. It is one thing to be the underdog chasing the frontrunners; it is another to be the championship favorite, carrying the weight of expectations. Verstappen has thrived in that role, but can Norris do the same?
No More Near Misses
The 2025 season is Norris’s moment of truth. He has spent years developing into one of F1’s elite drivers, but near-misses will no longer be acceptable. If he is to fulfill his potential, he must make 2025 his year.
McLaren has given him the car. He has the talent. His experience has prepared him for this. Now, it all comes down to execution.
If Norris delivers, he will etch his name in the history books as the latest British world champion, following in the footsteps of legends like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button. If he falls short again, questions will start to arise about whether he truly has what it takes to go all the way.
For Norris, there are no excuses left. It’s time to take the final step.
