Lando Norris and McLaren pushed Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to the limit in the 2024 Formula 1 season, delivering one of the most gripping title battles in recent memory. However, Norris fell short of dethroning Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive championship in Las Vegas. Now, nine-time Le Mans champion Tom Kristensen has pinpointed the critical weakness McLaren and Norris must address to topple the reigning champion in 2025.
A Title Fight That Exposed Weaknesses
Despite a winless mid-season stretch that tested Verstappen’s mettle, the Dutchman rebounded with a string of dominant performances to secure the title. Meanwhile, Norris, despite flashes of brilliance, was criticized for lacking the mental fortitude needed in high-pressure moments. Kristensen, who knows what it takes to thrive under relentless pressure, emphasized that consistency and mental resilience are paramount in beating Verstappen.
“If they want to challenge Max, everything has to be right,” Kristensen stated. “They have to operate at 100 percent – every race. They have to be not only faster, but also mentally stronger, especially during the opening laps. It’s about not succumbing to the pressure.”
Verstappen’s Unshakable Confidence
Kristensen highlighted Verstappen’s unique ability to stay unfazed even during difficult weekends. The Red Bull ace, Kristensen argued, has an unshakable belief in his ability to dominate the next race, which allows him to weather setbacks with unparalleled composure.
“If he [Max Verstappen] is not fast, it doesn’t matter [to him] much, because he knows he will dominate again next time,” Kristensen explained.
This mental strength, combined with Red Bull’s meticulous race operations, has been a cornerstone of Verstappen’s success. It’s a level of confidence and adaptability that Norris and McLaren must aspire to if they hope to claim the 2025 crown.
Lessons Learned and the Path Ahead
The 2024 season was a learning curve for Norris and McLaren, but the Briton knows that incremental improvements won’t be enough to dethrone Verstappen. Kristensen’s analysis underscores that McLaren must perfect every element of their operation, from car performance to race-day strategy, while Norris must develop the mental resilience to thrive under relentless scrutiny.
As the new season approaches, fans are bracing for another heated rivalry. Norris has shown he has the speed to match Verstappen, but the real question is whether he and McLaren can elevate their game to meet the mental and operational demands of a championship campaign.
