Lando Norris said, “Next year is my year” after helping McLaren to the Constructors’ Championship with victory in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris fell short in the Drivers’ Championship to Max Verstappen, who won his fourth title in a row with two rounds remaining, but the Brit ensured McLaren concluded 2024 on a high note. After colliding with Verstappen in the first circuit, teammate Oscar Piastri slipped from second to last.
Norris managed the race well, ensuring McLaren fought off Ferrari’s attempt to win the title for the first time since 1998. He was in contention for the 2024 championship until the Las Vegas Grand Prix. With four race wins and 13 podiums, the British driver ended 63 points behind Verstappen in the drivers’ championship, narrowly losing out on his first title. The 25-year-old delivered an enthusiastic message on the radio.
McLaren’s surprising mid-season success inspired Norris’ recovery. Following the summer break, the Papaya team emerged as the fastest car on the field, while Red Bull struggled with pace. Since May, Max Verstappen has won five races, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have consistently been on the podium. McLaren anticipates a dominant year in 2025, based on positive developments in the second half of the 2024 season.
Lando Norris is the New Face of F1
McLaren poses a significant challenge to Red Bull as the 2024 F1 season comes to a close. They won the constructors’ championship right under the latter’s nose. Norris closed the distance with Max Verstappen in the second half of the season. The Papaya team’s improved performance may motivate them to surpass Red Bull before the engine regulation revision in 2026. Red Bull is planning an ideal driver lineup for the 2025 season.
Sergio Perez’s performance will likely be assessed during a stakeholder meeting. The squad is taking the constructors’ title defeat seriously and plans to make significant changes soon. Regardless, for the 2025 F1 season, Nico Rosberg sees Norris as the favourite to end Verstappen’s four-year championship victory streak. He said, “Lando, he’s the favourite for next year now to win the championship.”
