As the 2025 Formula 1 season gears up, McLaren faces a significant conundrum. The team must choose to unequivocally back Lando Norris as their prime driver if they aim to clinch the championship title. This predicament arises from the burgeoning rivalry within the team, with newcomer Oscar Piastri posing a formidable challenge to Norris.
In the 2024 season, despite McLaren’s competitive edge, Max Verstappen achieved his fourth consecutive championship victory. Norris, despite his evident talent, grappled with lackluster race starts, while Piastri consistently snatched crucial points.
However, the tides seem to be turning for Norris. According to ex-F1 driver, Marc Surer, Norris has rectified his previous shortcomings and is primed for a potential championship victory in 2025, contingent on McLaren’s vehicle’s performance.
“Lando Norris has evolved to a point where he’s capable of winning the championship this year, should the car live up to expectations,” Surer conveyed in an interview with MyBettingEdge. He added, “Norris addressed his earlier weaknesses, such as his disappointing starts, even from pole positions, and losing positions in the opening lap. Yet, by the season’s end, he had managed to maintain his position from the start, indicating he’d overcome these flaws.”
Norris’ trajectory in the 2024 season showed immense promise. He surfaced as one of Verstappen’s toughest competitors, clinching several podium finishes and even his maiden Grand Prix victory. This impressive performance underscores his capabilities to dominate at the highest echelons of the sport.
Norris’ racecraft has witnessed a considerable transformation, with enhanced starts and minimal errors in wheel-to-wheel duels. Concurrently, McLaren has made notable strides in car development, often vying for the lead with Red Bull and Ferrari. However, Norris’ title aspirations were thwarted by inconsistencies and strategic errors.
Looking forward to the 2025 season, McLaren’s continued progress inspires optimism. Surer advocates for the team to prioritize Norris, identifying this as a pivotal factor for their success. However, he also points out the potential stumbling block in the form of Piastri.
Piastri, while not as speedy as Norris, has demonstrated remarkable racecraft and a knack for capitalizing on opportunities. This could spell trouble for McLaren if they fail to manage the inter-team dynamics astutely.
Surer elaborates, “Norris’ biggest hurdle is his teammate. Piastri may lack Norris’ speed, but he’s a fortunate driver who knows how to seize opportunities. If McLaren aims for the championship, they must position Norris as their primary driver. Otherwise, Piastri will continue to siphon off points.”
Surer, however, remains confident in Norris’ ability to contend for the championship in 2025. He affirms, “I’m not worried about Lando. He’s prepared, having learned from his past mistakes. He’s equipped to win the championship.”
As the new season looms, it appears McLaren has some strategic decisions to make. Will they unequivocally back Norris, or will Piastri’s potential continue to create a conundrum for the team? Only time will tell.