Norris Reflects on Title Loss to Verstappen Despite Stellar Season

Lando Norris has candidly admitted that even with a near-perfect performance in the 2024 Formula 1 season, toppling Max Verstappen for the drivers’ championship was an unachievable goal. Verstappen’s dominant display culminated in his fourth consecutive title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, showcasing Red Bull’s continued supremacy.

A Challenging Start for McLaren

Norris acknowledged that McLaren’s slow start to the season made their title aspirations difficult from the outset. Beginning the year as the fourth-best team on the grid, McLaren faced a steep uphill battle against Red Bull’s dominance.

“We had just too big of a deficit to catch up from the beginning of the season,” Norris explained. “Red Bull has always been strong, and while we closed the gap significantly, it wasn’t enough.”

However, the British driver praised McLaren’s mid-season resurgence, which allowed them to challenge Red Bull Racing in the latter stages of the year, proving their growth as a competitive force.

Aiming for Future Success

Looking ahead, Norris remains optimistic but realistic about the hurdles McLaren will face. With technical regulations remaining stable until 2026, the path to dethroning Red Bull remains arduous. Nevertheless, Norris believes that McLaren’s 2025 car will be a championship contender from the very first race.

“Next year, we’ll start with a car we believe can win from round one,” he said. “That’s something we haven’t had for six years, and it’s exciting to think about what’s possible.”

2024: A Season of Milestones

While the drivers’ championship slipped through his fingers, 2024 was a breakthrough season for Norris. He secured his first-ever Formula 1 victory, followed by two additional wins, underscoring his growth as a driver and McLaren’s development.

“No one else was fighting Verstappen; it was me and McLaren,” Norris stated proudly. “We’ve achieved so much, and while there’s always room for improvement, I’m satisfied with finishing second.”

Looking Ahead to 2025

As McLaren continues to close the performance gap with Red Bull, Norris is determined to build on this year’s momentum. With aspirations of ending McLaren’s 17-year drivers’ championship drought, the young Brit is ready to lead the charge once more.

With a strong foundation and clear vision, Norris and McLaren aim to make the 2025 Formula 1 season one to remember.