The 2024 Formula 1 season saw Lando Norris fall just short of dethroning reigning champion Max Verstappen in a nail-biting title battle. While Norris proved himself as one of the fastest drivers on the grid, 2016 F1 champion Nico Rosberg believes the McLaren star’s mental hurdles played a key role in his defeat.
“Raw Speed Isn’t the Problem”
Nico Rosberg, who famously bested Lewis Hamilton to win his championship, has lauded Norris for his exceptional pace. According to Rosberg, Norris has demonstrated raw speed on par with the best in the sport, including Verstappen.
“He has shown raw speed on a level, I would say, with the best,” Rosberg stated. “Even with a Max Verstappen, the raw speed is there. It’s very, very phenomenal.”
Norris’s standout performances, including his dominant victory in Singapore where he led Verstappen by 20 seconds, have solidified his status as a serious contender. However, Rosberg believes Norris’s inconsistency under pressure has been his Achilles’ heel.
“The Battle Within: Norris’ ‘Inner Demons’”
While praising Norris’s talent, Rosberg pointed to recurring mistakes as evidence of the psychological barriers holding the McLaren driver back.
“Where we’ve still seen a little bit of issues for him is he has some inner demons in his mind, which results in one or another mistake,” Rosberg explained.
Even in his triumph at Singapore, Rosberg highlighted moments of near disaster where Norris almost crashed out twice, describing the situation as “extreme.”
“Pressure and Perfection: The Key to Beating Verstappen”
Norris’s struggle is not unique among drivers aiming to topple Verstappen, whose relentless consistency has defined his dominance. For Norris, the challenge now lies in harnessing his speed while minimizing errors.
“He has the car to fight for the world title against someone like Max Verstappen,” Rosberg said. “But it will all be in vain if Norris is unable to get the most out of himself.”
“2025: A Pivotal Year for Norris”
At 25 years old, Norris stands at a crossroads. With McLaren delivering a championship-caliber car, the Briton has the tools to challenge Verstappen again in 2025. However, the ability to translate raw speed into consistent, error-free performances will be critical.
For fans and pundits, the question isn’t whether Norris is fast enough—it’s whether he can overcome the mental hurdles that separate great drivers from world champions. As the countdown to the 2025 season begins, all eyes will be on Norris to see if he can turn potential into glory.
