After a stellar 2024 season, Lando Norris is determined to elevate his game in 2025. The McLaren star, who claimed his maiden Formula 1 wins and finished second in the drivers’ championship, is eager to challenge Max Verstappen and the rest of the grid for the title.
Norris Reflects on 2024 Success and Lessons Learned
The 25-year-old Briton had a breakout season, clinching four grand prix victories, eight pole positions, and securing the constructors’ championship for McLaren alongside teammate Oscar Piastri.
- Season Highlights: Norris ignited his title bid with his first F1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix and narrowed the points gap to Verstappen in the final stretch of the season.
- Championship Finish: Despite his best efforts, Norris ended the season 47 points behind Verstappen, who sealed the title in Las Vegas.
“When that realization kind of sets in of ‘it’s gone,’ it’s a tough one. But I’ve learned a lot from those mistakes, and I’m ready to bring the fight to everyone,” Norris said on the BBC podcast F1: Back at Base.
Building Confidence for 2025
Norris admitted struggling with confidence earlier in his career but believes his growth in 2024 has equipped him to fight for a championship.
“I believe I’m a good enough driver and have everything it takes. Going into 2025, I know I’ve improved a lot, and I’m confident I can fight for the title.”
McLaren’s Constructors’ Triumph and 2025 Goals
McLaren’s resurgence culminated in their first constructors’ title since 1998, driven by Norris and Piastri’s stellar performances.
Oscar Piastri on His Progress
“I’ve improved since my rookie season. It’s now about putting everything together rather than filling missing gaps.”
Team Principal Andrea Stella on Raising the Bar
Stella emphasized the importance of continuous improvement:
“We won the constructors’ championship by a margin of just 2%. To stay on top, we need to raise the bar and do an even better job in 2025.”
F1: Back at Base – Behind the Scenes at McLaren
The new BBC podcast, narrated by Josh Hartnett, offers an exclusive look into McLaren and Aston Martin’s operations during the final 10 races of 2024.
- Key Figures: Insights from McLaren’s Andrea Stella, Zak Brown, and drivers Norris and Piastri.
- Episodes: Available on BBC Sounds, the series highlights the strategic and technical efforts behind McLaren’s success.
