Lando Norris, McLaren’s star driver, has opened up about his bittersweet 2024 Formula 1 season—a year of remarkable highs and frustrating near-misses. While he’s secured three grand prix wins, seven pole positions, and 12 podiums, Norris remains conflicted about falling short in his bid for the drivers’ title as Max Verstappen looms large to claim another championship.
In an introspective and at times emotional conversation, Norris dissected the lessons learned, defended against harsh criticism, and laid down a bold challenge for 2025: to fight for the championship from the very first race.
“It’s Been a Very Good Year—but I Get the Criticism”
Norris admits the 2024 campaign has been his most prolific season yet, but it hasn’t been without missed opportunities. For all McLaren’s remarkable strides in performance—transforming into a genuine contender after years of struggle—there have been stumbles that hurt his title chances.
“It’s been a very good year, but I completely understand why people think it hasn’t been,” Norris said. “I almost agree! But once you know the reasons why things happened, I’m still proud of the season it’s been.”
From losing potential victories in Silverstone, Canada, and Hungary, to being outmaneuvered by Verstappen in critical moments, Norris acknowledged that both he and McLaren could have done better.
“There’s been missed opportunities. That’s a fact,” Norris admitted. “But I’m happy with the whole season because it’s clear that when things go right, how amazing they can be.”
Defending the Progress Amid Criticism
The pressure of stepping into title contention has subjected Norris to heightened scrutiny. While his pole-to-win ratio (three wins from seven poles) has been criticized, Norris was quick to defend the progress McLaren and he have made.
“It’s tough when people think we’ve had the most dominant car ever,” Norris explained. “I’ve been on pole by three thousandths or five thousandths, and those positions stay for the rest of the race.”
He also addressed comparisons to his 2020 comments about Lewis Hamilton, where he suggested Hamilton had an easier path to victory due to Mercedes’ dominance. Now having faced the complexities of fighting for wins, Norris reflected on his growth.
“I’ve always known how tough it is. But the harsh reality of living in that situation is even more challenging,” Norris said. “Even the smallest mistakes are magnified when you’re fighting at the top.”
“Next Year Is the Year”: No Excuses for 2025
As the 2024 season nears its conclusion, Norris is already focused on the next chapter. With McLaren poised to secure their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008, Norris believes the team’s momentum sets the stage for a true title challenge in 2025.
“Next year is the year—probably the first one since I’ve been in Formula 1 where I can go, ‘We are challenging for the title,’” Norris declared.
Having recommitted to McLaren on a long-term deal, Norris feels vindicated in sticking with the team during its struggles, even as speculation linked him to Red Bull.
“I’m very happy that I’ve stuck with the team I believed in, even when a lot of people didn’t,” he said. “The fact we’ve gone from where we were to beating Red Bull is an incredible achievement.”
Climbing the Summit
While Norris is proud of McLaren’s transformation, he knows this season’s shortcomings must fuel further growth. “There will be no excuses next year,” Norris said emphatically, acknowledging the need to eliminate errors and capitalize on McLaren’s growing strengths.
Whether Norris’s 2024 campaign is remembered as a stepping stone or a missed opportunity will depend on his and McLaren’s ability to translate this year’s lessons into dominance in 2025. For now, Norris remains optimistic—and determined to take the next step.
“This season has shown what’s possible,” Norris said. “But next year, we have to make it a reality.”
