With McLaren crowned Constructors’ Champions in 2024 and Lando Norris finishing second in the drivers’ standings, the stage is set for 2025 to be his biggest season yet.
No longer just a rising star, Norris is now regarded as the favorite to dethrone Max Verstappen—and bookmakers have taken notice, labeling the Brit as the frontrunner for the 2025 F1 title.
But does that pressure faze him? Not in the slightest.
“I’m definitely not feeling the pressure of all of these things,” Norris stated confidently. “Too many people get hung up on the nerves. But for me, I always perform better in these situations.”
The Evolution of a Contender: Norris Learns From His 2024 Shortcomings
Norris had a career-defining 2024 season, securing 13 podiums and four victories on his way to second place in the championship.
However, mistakes at key moments allowed Verstappen to maintain a points gap that proved too large to overcome.
While Norris acknowledges missed opportunities, he remains confident that his performances proved he has what it takes to become a World Champion.
“I know because of last year, that’s just how things have gone,” he said. “Because I did well, those are the expectations for the team and for myself. But every year is a new year.”
The key difference in 2025? A fast start. Last season, Norris dropped 52 points to Verstappen in the first five races, only to go nearly toe-to-toe with the Red Bull driver for the rest of the year.
If McLaren delivers a strong car from the beginning, Norris knows he can challenge for the title.
No Fear of Piastri: Norris Emphasizes His Internal Supremacy
While Oscar Piastri’s rapid rise in F1 has been widely praised, Norris made it clear that he firmly established himself as McLaren’s lead driver last season.
He outscored Piastri by 82 points, out-qualified him 20 times in 24 races, and maintained a consistent upper hand in wheel-to-wheel battles.
“As much as you can look at last year, I’ve got a strong team-mate who’s been very aggressive and fast,” Norris acknowledged. “But for me to have the performance that I had against him and still be improving myself, I think was a good thing.”
Piastri will only get better, but Norris is making sure he stays ahead of the game.
Norris Embraces the Pressure: “I Like That It’s on My Back”
While some crack under pressure, Norris thrives in it.
In 2023, he admitted that he skips meals on race days due to nerves, a revelation that some interpreted as a weakness.
But Norris dismissed that notion entirely.
“People always somehow turn it into a bad thing, but it’s not a bad thing at all,” he explained. “Those moments I thrive on are the ones where there is more pressure, there is more nerves, and I enjoy that.”
Norris doesn’t just welcome expectations—he feeds off them.
“I like seeing those things, I like hearing them. I like that I have that kind of bit of pressure on my back. But at the same time, I just hope I can go out and make them [the bookmakers] some money.”
Can Norris Deliver? The Final Step to Greatness Awaits
With McLaren’s momentum, his own proven speed, and a newfound confidence in handling high-stakes battles, Norris has everything he needs to fight for the 2025 F1 title.
But talking about it is one thing—delivering is another.
Can he finally topple Verstappen and claim the crown?
With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Norris wouldn’t have it any other way.