Lando Norris has dismissed claims that McLaren enjoyed a dominant pace advantage in the 2024 Formula 1 season, calling the exaggeration a “compliment” to the team’s resurgence. While McLaren ended its 26-year drought to claim the Constructors’ Championship, Norris admitted missed opportunities cost the team a title double, with Max Verstappen retaining the Drivers’ crown.
McLaren’s progress and perceived dominance
The 2024 season marked a breakthrough for McLaren, with the MCL38 hailed by many as the best car on the grid. Despite this, Verstappen wrapped up his fourth Drivers’ Championship with two races to spare.
Speaking to The Race, Norris argued that perceptions of McLaren’s dominance were inflated. “People think it’s been a lot worse than it’s been, that we’ve been a lot quicker than we have been,” Norris said. “It’s a compliment because it shows how far we’ve come.”
Missed opportunities
Norris acknowledged McLaren’s errors, particularly in mixed conditions, citing strategic missteps at Silverstone and Canada as costly moments. “There’s clearly ones that we’ve definitely let go away,” he admitted.
However, he defended his performances in certain races where he lost the lead early, attributing setbacks to circumstantial misfortune rather than personal errors.
“If you look at Barcelona, when I had a ‘bad’ start, the best starter in that race was Max,” Norris explained. “I think I was the third or fourth-best starter on the grid. It’s just I happened to be next to the guy who got the best start.”
Norris’ standout season
Despite the missed opportunities, 2024 was Norris’ most successful F1 campaign, with four wins, eight pole positions, and 13 podiums. While those achievements weren’t enough to challenge Verstappen for the Drivers’ title, Norris believes the lessons learned will set him up for future success.
“I’m very happy with my whole season,” he said. “There’s been some missed opportunities, but it’s clear when things do go right how amazing they can be.”
A foundation for 2025
Norris remains optimistic that McLaren’s 2024 performance has built a strong foundation for future success. With McLaren’s momentum and his personal growth, the British driver hopes to mount a stronger title challenge in 2025.
“It’s been better than people have thought,” Norris concluded. “Things have not just gone to plan, but I still feel like I’ve got a lot out of it. When things go right, it’s clear what we can achieve.”
