Lando Norris Reflects on Near-Miss 2024 Season: ‘Next Year Is the Year for the Title’

Lando Norris has opened up about his bittersweet 2024 Formula 1 season, a year filled with remarkable highs and frustrating near-misses. Despite securing three Grand Prix wins, seven pole positions, and 12 podiums, Norris remains disappointed by falling short in his bid for the drivers’ title. With Max Verstappen dominating the championship, Norris is now looking ahead to 2025, where he believes McLaren can fight for the F1 title from the very first race.

“It’s Been a Very Good Year—but I Get the Criticism”

Norris acknowledges that the 2024 season has been his most successful yet but recognizes the missed opportunities that prevented him from securing the championship. While McLaren has made impressive strides in performance, turning into a legitimate contender, there were several moments of failure that hurt Norris’ chances.

“It’s been a very good year, but I completely understand why people think it hasn’t been,” Norris said. “I almost agree! But once you know the reasons why things happened, I’m still proud of the season it’s been.”

Despite several potential victories slipping away in Silverstone, Canada, and Hungary, Norris is content with his performance, acknowledging that McLaren’s progress sets a foundation for future success.

Defending the Progress Amid Criticism

With the pressure of being in title contention, Norris has faced heightened scrutiny. While his pole-to-win ratio (three wins from seven poles) has been criticized, Norris defends the progress McLaren has made.

“It’s tough when people think we’ve had the most dominant car ever,” he explained. “I’ve been on pole by three thousandths or five thousandths, and those positions stay for the rest of the race.”

He also reflected on his previous comments about Lewis Hamilton in 2020, acknowledging how difficult it is to fight for wins at the top and how the smallest mistakes can be magnified.

“I’ve always known how tough it is. But the harsh reality of living in that situation is even more challenging,” Norris said.

“Next Year Is the Year”: No Excuses for 2025

As the 2024 season wraps up, Norris is already focused on 2025, when he feels McLaren will truly be in the mix for the title. With the team poised to secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, Norris is optimistic about their chances.

“Next year is the year—probably the first one since I’ve been in Formula 1 where I can go, ‘We are challenging for the title,’” Norris declared.

Having signed a long-term deal with McLaren, Norris feels validated in staying with the team despite earlier speculation linking him to Red Bull.

“I’m very happy that I’ve stuck with the team I believed in, even when a lot of people didn’t,” he said. “The fact we’ve gone from where we were to beating Red Bull is an incredible achievement.”

Climbing the Summit

While Norris is proud of McLaren’s transformation, he recognizes that next season must see an even stronger push. “There will be no excuses next year,” he said, emphasizing the need to eliminate mistakes and capitalize on the team’s momentum.

Whether 2024 is remembered as a stepping stone or a missed opportunity depends on how McLaren and Norris can turn this year’s progress into championship-winning form in 2025. For now, Norris remains determined and optimistic.

“This season has shown what’s possible,” Norris said. “But next year, we have to make it a reality.”