Norris Claims Controversial F1 Title Amidst Doubts on True Driving Prowess
In a shocking conclusion to the 2025 Formula One season, Lando Norris clinched his first World Championship title at the electrifying Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing third to dethrone Max Verstappen after a staggering four-year reign. However, amidst the jubilation, a cloud of controversy looms over Norris’s victory, with critics questioning whether he truly deserves the accolade or if it was merely a triumph of machinery over talent.
The 2025 season was rife with anticipation, as many pundits predicted a commanding 1-2 finish for McLaren in the driver standings. Yet, Verstappen, the relentless Red Bull driver, clawed back from a staggering 104-point deficit, ultimately finishing the season a mere two points shy of reclaiming his title. With a total of eight grand prix victories, Verstappen showcased his driving prowess, while both Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri managed to secure seven wins each.
However, former F1 driver Robert Doornbos has ignited a firestorm of debate by declaring, “The 2025 world champion is not the best driver of 2025 and everyone thinks so.” In a candid interview with FORMULA 1 Magazine, he argued that the real difference lay in the car, with Norris’s McLaren dominating the grid throughout the season. He likened Norris’s situation to that of Jenson Button, highlighting the growing pressure as the season progressed.
“Winning is winning, but there will always be a bittersweet taste to this title for Norris,” Doornbos remarked. “He could and should have made it much easier for himself. And the looming question is whether he will get another chance like this with the upcoming technical regulations next year.”
Norris’s season was undeniably mixed, marked by scrutiny over his mental fortitude and whether he possesses the tenacity required to secure a championship. In response to the relentless media chatter, he boldly stated, “Just ignore everyone that talks c*** about you! Just focus on yourself.” Yet, Doornbos remains skeptical.
“I know how it works,” he said. “If media write well about you, it’s fun. And if they write badly about you, you can say ‘I don’t read it,’ but you still get it. Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are not sensitive to that, I guess, but for Norris it is different based on the character he has. That can easily become a bottleneck when competing for titles at this level.”
The stakes in Formula 1 are incredibly high—decisions are made in fractions of a second, and even a fleeting negative thought can cost valuable milliseconds on the track. As the dust settles on a tumultuous season, the question remains: Did Lando Norris truly earn his title, or was it the superiority of his car that propelled him to victory? One thing is for certain—the debate surrounding his championship will linger as we approach the new season, where fresh technical regulations could reshape the competitive landscape.
As fans and analysts reflect on the 2025 season, Norris may have a trophy to showcase, but the discussions around his legitimacy as a champion are far from over. Buckle up, because the road ahead is bound to be just as thrilling and contentious.









