The 2024 Formula 1 season has seen Lando Norris emerge as one of the most formidable challengers to Max Verstappen’s dominance. Despite Norris’s impressive form, the Brazilian Grand Prix may have solidified Verstappen’s path to a fourth consecutive world championship while dealing a heavy blow to Norris’s title hopes. As Norris reflects on what went wrong, the focus now shifts to whether the McLaren driver can use this experience as a stepping stone for a stronger 2025 campaign.
Norris arrived at the Brazilian GP with mounting momentum. Having clawed back points in recent races, he lined up on pole position at Interlagos, determined to close the gap to Verstappen. However, the race unraveled for Norris, as misfortune and strategic missteps saw him drop from first to sixth place. Meanwhile, Verstappen, starting from a distant P17, delivered a masterclass in wet weather driving, securing victory with a commanding 20-second margin. A timely red flag due to a crash further played into the Dutchman’s hands, while Norris’s pit stop ahead of the red flag proved costly. By the race’s end, Verstappen extended his championship lead to 62 points, making it nearly impossible for Norris to recover with only three rounds remaining.
While Brazil marked the turning point, many believe Norris’s title challenge was undermined earlier in the season. McLaren’s slow start in the opening rounds allowed Verstappen to build a significant lead, forcing Norris to play catch-up for much of the year. FIA steward Johnny Herbert noted that while Norris demonstrated incredible growth and resilience, the uphill battle was simply too steep. Herbert remains optimistic about Norris’s potential, emphasizing that with McLaren’s improved performance and Norris’s evident skill, the Briton could begin 2025 as a serious title contender.
However, some experts argue that Norris must adopt a more ruthless approach to truly challenge Verstappen. Eddie Jordan, a former F1 team boss, suggested that Norris’s good-natured personality might hinder his ability to capitalize on crucial opportunities. He posited that Norris, though immensely talented, must sharpen his competitive edge and seize decisive moments in races. David Coulthard, Jordan’s podcast co-host, countered by praising Norris’s growth and arguing that both McLaren and Norris were adjusting to their unexpected championship contention this season.
The dynamic between Verstappen and Norris has also added intrigue to their rivalry. Long-time friends off the track, their relationship has faced scrutiny as the battle for the title intensified. Incidents on track, including a collision in Austria and disputes in Austin and Mexico, tested their camaraderie. Norris admitted to feeling conflicted about separating Verstappen as a friend from Verstappen as a fierce rival. Verstappen, on the other hand, emphasized his ability to leave competition on the track, maintaining a clear boundary between racing and personal life.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, Norris and McLaren must regroup. McLaren’s resurgence this year has been remarkable, transforming from a team in rebuilding mode to one capable of challenging Red Bull. Norris, too, has matured, earning pole positions, race wins, and newfound respect as a top-tier driver. Yet, the next step—consistently overcoming Verstappen—remains elusive.
The key to Norris’s future success lies in starting the 2025 season on equal footing with Verstappen. By avoiding early deficits and maintaining a strong, aggressive approach throughout the year, Norris can position himself as a legitimate championship contender. With rivals like Oscar Piastri and George Russell also improving, the competition will be fiercer than ever.
The lessons of 2024 will undoubtedly shape Norris’s journey. While Verstappen appears poised to claim a fourth world title, Norris has proven he has the talent to compete at the highest level. The question now is whether he can turn potential into triumph. Fans, experts, and fellow drivers alike will be watching closely as Norris prepares for what could be his breakout season in 2025.
