Lando Norris didn’t hold back when dissecting Red Bull’s failure to defend their Constructors’ Championship in the 2024 F1 season, blaming the team’s over-reliance on Max Verstappen for their downfall. Despite Verstappen securing his fourth Drivers’ Championship, Red Bull finished a disappointing third in the Constructors’ standings, with their second driver, Sergio Perez, falling far short of expectations.
Norris: Red Bull needed two Verstappens, not one
Norris was quick to pinpoint the issue, suggesting that Red Bull would have comfortably clinched the Constructors’ title had they fielded a more competitive second driver. He didn’t shy away from pointing fingers at Perez, whose inconsistent performances saw him finish 280 points behind his teammate.
“Red Bull probably would have won the Constructors’ if they had two drivers as good as Max,” Norris said, delivering a subtle jab at Perez. “That’s for sure. It’s clear and obvious. It shows that as a team, they’ve still probably done the best job, but one driver isn’t enough in this sport.”
A new chapter: Liam Lawson steps in
Red Bull has since made a bold move by replacing Perez with young Kiwi sensation Liam Lawson for the 2025 season. The team is betting on Lawson’s ability to provide Verstappen with the kind of competitive partnership they’ve lacked in recent years. While many believe Lawson’s promotion could rectify Red Bull’s long-standing second-driver issue, Norris seemed indifferent to the change.
“It’s got nothing to do with me, I don’t care,” the McLaren driver stated. “He [Verstappen] can have whoever he wants as a teammate.”
High expectations for Lawson
For Red Bull, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With McLaren and Ferrari breathing down their necks, the team needs Lawson to deliver from day one. The 22-year-old, who earned his seat after a standout performance in a handful of races last season, has been hailed as a potential star. However, matching Verstappen’s level is no small task, as even experienced drivers have struggled in that role.
If Lawson can rise to the challenge, Red Bull could find themselves back in the Constructors’ title fight. But should the Kiwi falter, the team risks another year of frustration, watching McLaren and Ferrari battle for supremacy.
Norris and McLaren: Eyes on the prize
Meanwhile, Norris remains laser-focused on McLaren’s upward trajectory. The team pushed Red Bull hard in 2024 and is primed for another strong campaign. With a more consistent lineup and an improving car, McLaren could be poised to take advantage of any weaknesses in Red Bull’s camp.
As the 2025 season looms, all eyes will be on Lawson’s debut and whether he can help Red Bull reclaim their lost glory—or if Norris and McLaren will capitalize on their rivals’ shortcomings once again.
