Lando Norris has reflected on his 2024 Formula 1 season, praising McLaren’s extraordinary in-season development while subtly criticizing Red Bull Racing for never experiencing the same struggles his team overcame. Although Norris finished second in the Drivers’ Championship to Max Verstappen, his comments underline McLaren’s rise and hint at Red Bull’s long-standing dominance.
From Fourth-Quickest to Contender
Norris highlighted McLaren’s transformation, recalling how the team started the season as the fourth-fastest car on the grid. Despite the initial gap, the MCL38 became a frontrunner by midseason, thanks to relentless in-season upgrades.
“We were the fourth-best team at the beginning of the year,” Norris said, emphasizing McLaren’s remarkable progress. “On certain occasions, we managed to have the quickest car, and that’s down to our stellar development work.”
A Subtle Dig at Red Bull
While praising McLaren, Norris couldn’t resist a swipe at Red Bull, pointing out that the Milton Keynes-based team has rarely, if ever, endured similar struggles.
“Red Bull have never been the fourth-best team—or worst, let’s say—ever,” Norris remarked. The jab reflects Red Bull’s consistent presence at the front of the grid since their rise to prominence in the late 2000s, after acquiring Jaguar Racing.
The Uphill Battle Against Verstappen
Verstappen’s dominance in 2024 was undeniable, winning seven of the first ten races and building an insurmountable points lead early in the season. While McLaren eventually closed the performance gap, Norris acknowledged that the deficit from the opening rounds proved too much to overcome.
“We had just too big of a [points] deficit to catch up from the beginning of the season, and we could not because they’ve been too strong still,” Norris admitted.
Despite McLaren’s efforts, Verstappen’s consistency and Red Bull’s ability to extract the maximum from their RB20 left little room for competitors.
Lessons for the Future
Although falling short of the title in his maiden championship campaign, Norris’ performance in 2024 has cemented his status as a genuine contender. The 25-year-old has vowed to learn from his mistakes and come back stronger in 2025, with fans eager to see a more intense title fight.
“This season has been a massive step forward for us,” Norris said. “We know what we need to do next year, and I’m excited about the challenge ahead.”
McLaren’s Transformation Inspires Hope
Norris’ comments reflect McLaren’s resurgence as a top-tier team capable of challenging Red Bull’s dominance. With three race wins in 2024 and a car that developed into a true contender, McLaren’s momentum heading into 2025 could make them the team to watch.
Meanwhile, Norris’ subtle critique of Red Bull adds an extra layer to the growing rivalry between the two teams, hinting at the competitive fire that could define next season.
