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Zak Brown Confident Lando Norris Is Ready to Take on Verstappen in 2025

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
December 24, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Verstappen’s Bold Claim Sparks Controversy with Lando Norris

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - OCTOBER 26: Second placed qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with Third placed qualifier Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Mexico at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez on October 26, 2024 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202410270010 // Usage for editorial use only //

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After a thrilling 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren CEO Zak Brown believes Lando Norris has gained invaluable experience racing against Max Verstappen, preparing him to mount a serious title challenge in 2025. Norris, who delivered four victories this season and helped McLaren secure its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, fell short in the Drivers’ Title fight. However, Brown is convinced his star driver has learned the nuances of racing Verstappen.

“A Breakthrough Year for Norris and McLaren”

Norris’s maiden F1 win came after McLaren’s significant mid-season upgrades in Miami, setting the stage for a stellar campaign. The Briton followed it up with dominant performances in Singapore, Zandvoort, and a finale victory in Abu Dhabi, solidifying McLaren’s resurgence. Despite his personal triumphs, the title battle with Verstappen proved to be a steep learning curve.

Verstappen’s seven wins in the opening 10 rounds, coupled with Norris’s missed opportunities in Canada, Imola, Spain, and a collision in Austria, left the McLaren driver chasing a seemingly insurmountable lead. A critical moment came in Brazil, where Verstappen’s consistency ultimately sealed his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Title.

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“Lessons Learned: How to Race Max”

Brown believes that Norris’s battles with Verstappen, especially the incidents in Austria, Mexico, and the United States, have prepared him to better handle the reigning champion’s aggressive style.

“Lando has learned a lot on how to race Max,” Brown told Speedcafe. “Max is transparent on how he races; try and pass down the outside… he’s not letting you past around the outside.”

In Mexico, Norris demonstrated his growth by engaging in a fierce yet calculated fight, avoiding costly accidents while keeping Verstappen at bay. However, Verstappen’s uncompromising style in Austin resulted in a controversial penalty for Norris after he overtook off the track, costing him a chance at victory.

Brown drew parallels to Lewis Hamilton’s battles with Verstappen during their epic 2021 title fight, highlighting the psychological challenges of facing the Dutchman.

“I know Lewis eventually went ‘right, this might end in tears for both of us,’” Brown said, emphasizing the need for calculated aggression.

“Prepared for 2025”

While Verstappen’s relentless approach remains a formidable obstacle, Brown is confident McLaren and Norris are ready to stand up to the challenge.

“We can’t afford that lesson… I think Lando has done the right thing,” Brown asserted. “I think he knows where and how to race Max, and I think he’ll race him differently next year.”

With McLaren’s technical package and Norris’s growing maturity, Brown is optimistic about the team’s chances in what promises to be an intense 2025 title battle. Verstappen, Norris, and potentially Lewis Hamilton in a resurgent Ferrari will be key players in a season that could redefine the F1 landscape.

“The Road Ahead”

As McLaren looks to capitalize on its championship-winning momentum, Norris’s ability to apply the lessons of 2024 will be crucial. The 2025 season isn’t just about speed but also about strategy and mental resilience. Norris’s development, paired with McLaren’s competitive car, positions the team as a serious contender for both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.

The stage is set for an electrifying showdown in 2025, with Norris ready to take the fight to Verstappen like never before.

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