Lando Norris is confident he will beat Max Verstappen in 2025

After falling short in his bid to dethrone Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive Formula 1 World Championship in Las Vegas, Lando Norris is optimistic about his chances in the upcoming season.

The McLaren driver, who briefly threatened Verstappen’s dominance mid-season, is now setting his sights on building a stronger 2025 campaign.

“I feel like I can fight for a world championship,” said Norris. “I have what it takes, and I can confidently say that now.”

A Promising Yet Challenging 2024 Season

Despite a competitive car and notable victories in the Netherlands and Singapore, Norris was unable to close the gap on Verstappen. He currently trails by 63 points, with only 60 points remaining across the final two races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Reflecting on the season, Norris attributed his title loss to Verstappen’s early dominance:

“The championship was lost in the first six races when Max opened up a big gap. He deserves the title, but I’m proud of how we fought back. Hopefully, I can upset him next year.”

McLaren’s resurgence saw Norris clinch his maiden Grand Prix victory in Miami and two additional wins, but costly mistakes by the driver and team proved decisive.

Could He Win in a McLaren?

When asked if he could have won the championship in a McLaren, Verstappen confidently stated:

“I could have won the championship even earlier. With the Ferrari, pretty much the same. The Mercedes? No. That would have been trickier.”

Verstappen’s comments highlight the competitive edge McLaren held over Red Bull since May, a period where they outpaced the reigning constructors’ champions.

McLaren Leads the Pack

McLaren currently leads the constructors’ standings, 24 points ahead of Ferrari, with Red Bull sitting third. This marked shift in team dynamics underscores McLaren’s progress and sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 season.

Cadillac F1 Joins the Grid in 2026

Adding to the excitement is the announcement of Cadillac F1 joining the grid in 2026. The new team, powered initially by Ferrari engines, plans to develop its own power unit with General Motors by 2028.

This development adds fresh competition to an already dynamic F1 landscape, potentially reshaping the sport in the coming years.

Can Norris Deliver in 2025?

With McLaren poised to start 2025 with a championship-ready car, Norris believes he can challenge Verstappen from the opening race. His confidence, combined with McLaren’s upward trajectory, signals an exciting showdown between the sport’s top talents.

As Norris puts it:

“Max is the best driver in the world, but I’m ready to fight him. Next year will be different.”

The stage is set for a fierce rivalry as Norris and Verstappen prepare to battle for Formula 1 supremacy. Fans can expect fireworks as the grid braces for another electrifying season.