AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Zak Brown Confident Lando Norris Is Ready to Take on Verstappen in 2025

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
December 24, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Verstappen’s Bold Claim Sparks Controversy with Lando Norris

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 26: Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Third placed qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410270010 // Usage for editorial use only //

After a thrilling 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes Lando Norris has gained invaluable experience racing against Max Verstappen, preparing him to mount a serious title challenge in 2025. Norris, who delivered four victories this season and helped McLaren secure its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, fell short in the Drivers’ Title fight. However, Brown is convinced his star driver has learned the nuances of racing Verstappen.

“A Breakthrough Year for Norris and McLaren”

Norris’s maiden F1 win came after McLaren’s significant mid-season upgrades in Miami, setting the stage for a stellar campaign. The Briton followed it up with dominant performances in Singapore, Zandvoort, and a finale victory in Abu Dhabi, solidifying McLaren’s resurgence. Despite his personal triumphs, the title battle with Verstappen proved to be a steep learning curve.

Verstappen’s seven wins in the opening 10 rounds, coupled with Norris’s missed opportunities in Canada, Imola, Spain, and a collision in Austria, left the McLaren driver chasing a seemingly insurmountable lead. A critical moment came in Brazil, where Verstappen’s consistency ultimately sealed his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Title.

“Lessons Learned: How to Race Max”

Brown believes that Norris’s battles with Verstappen, especially the incidents in Austria, Mexico, and the United States, have prepared him to better handle the reigning champion’s aggressive style.

“Lando has learned a lot on how to race Max,” Brown told Speedcafe. “Max is transparent on how he races; try and pass down the outside… he’s not letting you past around the outside.”

In Mexico, Norris demonstrated his growth by engaging in a fierce yet calculated fight, avoiding costly accidents while keeping Verstappen at bay. However, Verstappen’s uncompromising style in Austin resulted in a controversial penalty for Norris after he overtook off the track, costing him a chance at victory.

Brown drew parallels to Lewis Hamilton’s battles with Verstappen during their epic 2021 title fight, highlighting the psychological challenges of facing the Dutchman.

“I know Lewis eventually went ‘right, this might end in tears for both of us,’” Brown said, emphasizing the need for calculated aggression.

“Prepared for 2025”

While Verstappen’s relentless approach remains a formidable obstacle, Brown is confident McLaren and Norris are ready to stand up to the challenge.

“We can’t afford that lesson… I think Lando has done the right thing,” Brown asserted. “I think he knows where and how to race Max, and I think he’ll race him differently next year.”

With McLaren’s technical package and Norris’s growing maturity, Brown is optimistic about the team’s chances in what promises to be an intense 2025 title battle. Verstappen, Norris, and potentially Lewis Hamilton in a resurgent Ferrari will be key players in a season that could redefine the F1 landscape.

“The Road Ahead”

As McLaren looks to capitalize on its championship-winning momentum, Norris’s ability to apply the lessons of 2024 will be crucial. The 2025 season isn’t just about speed but also about strategy and mental resilience. Norris’s development, paired with McLaren’s competitive car, positions the team as a serious contender for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in 2025, with Norris ready to take the fight to Verstappen like never before.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Kyle Busch Inflicts Chaos on Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger in Mexico City Showdown
Motorsports

Kyle Busch Inflicts Chaos on Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger in Mexico City Showdown

In a heart-stopping moment at the NASCAR Cup Series race in Mexico City, chaos erupted as Kyle Busch sent Kyle...

by Harry Bright
June 16, 2025
Lewis Hamilton devastated after freak incident damages Ferrari – Canadian Grand Prix Fallout
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton devastated after freak incident damages Ferrari – Canadian Grand Prix Fallout

Xavi Bonilla

by Simon Monroy
June 16, 2025
Luca De Meo Rattles F1 World with Renault Exit: Briatore’s Bold Stand!
Motorsports

Luca De Meo Rattles F1 World with Renault Exit: Briatore’s Bold Stand!

In a shocking turn of events, Luca De Meo has announced his departure as CEO of Renault, causing a seismic...

by Virgilio Machado
June 16, 2025
Lewis Hamilton’s Canadian GP Dreams Shattered by Groundhog Strike Drama
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton’s Canadian GP Dreams Shattered by Groundhog Strike Drama

Lewis Hamilton's Canadian Grand Prix dreams were shattered by an unexpected culprit - a groundhog. The impact with the furry...

by Miguel Cunha
June 16, 2025

Recent News

Audi vai despedir até 7.500 trabalhadores na Alemanha

Automobile production in Europe may decline by 3.7% in 2025.

June 16, 2025
Tesla apresenta o robotáxi “Cybercab” com preço inferior a €28 000

Tesla faces protests in Austin ahead of the robotaxi debut.

June 16, 2025
Renovado Volvo XC90 chega com novo design e mais tecnologia

“Do you know how many XC90s Volvo has produced?”

June 16, 2025
Kyle Busch Inflicts Chaos on Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger in Mexico City Showdown

Kyle Busch Inflicts Chaos on Kyle Larson and AJ Allmendinger in Mexico City Showdown

June 16, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • WRC
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks