Lando Norris isn’t here to play catch-up in 2025. After coming tantalizingly close to upsetting Max Verstappen’s dominance last season, the McLaren star is laser-focused on avoiding another sluggish start—a mistake that left the team scrambling to recover in 2024. Now, with renewed confidence and a championship mindset, Norris is making it clear: McLaren will be a title contender from race one.
McLaren’s Slow Start in 2024 Cost Norris a Shot at the Title
For much of last season, McLaren was a sleeping giant, waking up only midway through the year to mount an assault on the Constructors’ Championship while Norris finally proved he could go toe-to-toe with Verstappen. Red Bull’s surprising slump left the door open for a challenger, but Norris and McLaren’s early-season struggles ultimately gave Verstappen the breathing room he needed.
Despite a winless streak that lasted 10 races for the Dutchman, Verstappen locked up the title with two rounds to spare, leaving Norris to wonder what could have been if McLaren had started stronger.
But Norris isn’t dwelling on the past—he’s using it as fuel.
“Last year, I proved to myself that I can fight against Max, I can win races, I can get poles, I can qualify well, and I can deliver in high-pressure situations,” Norris said during the McLaren launch. “That’s all I needed to see. Now I know I belong in the fight for a championship.”
For the first time in his career, Norris enters a season without self-doubt, without hesitation. He knows he has what it takes, and now, the plan is simple: start strong and stay in the fight from day one.
No More Playing Catch-Up: Norris Demands a Fast Start in 2025
One of the biggest frustrations for Norris and McLaren last season was their lackluster early form. While they ultimately ended the season as arguably the fastest team, it took too long to get there.
That won’t happen again.
“We proved last year what we can come back from,” Norris emphasized. “I definitely don’t want us to start like that, and we will not start like that. We want to start off on the right foot.”
With McLaren dominating in Abu Dhabi to close out 2024, Norris is adamant that the team’s newfound strength will translate to immediate success.
“I don’t want to say, ‘Guys, we have to win the first race,’ but we have to put ourselves in the mix from the start,” Norris continued. “It’ll make things easier for all of us and change the championship fight right away.”
The approach is clear: McLaren is here to contend from the first green light in Australia. There will be no waiting, no gradual build-up, no slow burn—Norris wants to make a statement immediately.
Championship Mentality: Norris is Ready to Lead McLaren’s Charge
As McLaren enters its golden era with a car capable of winning races consistently, Norris has transformed into a driver who expects to fight for wins. Gone is the hesitation or underdog mentality—now, Norris is speaking like a future world champion.
“I feel good. I feel good about the team. But the main thing is, I’m calm. I’m excited, but calm.”
There’s a quiet confidence in Norris now, one that comes from a driver who knows his time has arrived. No longer just a rising star, he’s ready to cement himself as a true title contender.
And with McLaren dead set on starting 2025 strong, the rest of the grid has been warned—this isn’t the same McLaren that needed half a season to warm up.
Lando Norris is ready. McLaren is ready. And the fight for the championship starts now.
