Can Lando Norris Finally Beat Max Verstappen in 2025? F1 Experts Weigh In
As the dust settles on the intense 2024 Formula 1 season, one question looms large in the motorsport world: can Lando Norris dethrone Max Verstappen in 2025? Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert, ex-team boss Eddie Jordan, and veteran commentator David Coulthard have offered their insights on this burning question, reflecting on Norris’s growth, McLaren’s resurgence, and the psychological battle that awaits him.
Johnny Herbert, a staunch supporter of Norris, believes that 2025 could mark a pivotal moment in the young Brit’s career. According to Herbert, Norris has learned invaluable lessons from the challenges of 2024. Despite Verstappen’s commanding lead early in the season, Norris showcased his immense talent by earning multiple pole positions and delivering remarkable performances. Herbert argues that Norris now possesses a crucial psychological edge: the belief that he can beat Verstappen. “Believing you can win is half the battle,” Herbert remarked, emphasizing that this self-assurance is a game-changer in the high-stakes world of Formula 1.
However, Herbert insists that a strong start to 2025 is vital for Norris. Drawing parallels to Verstappen’s early dominance in 2024, Herbert noted that Red Bull’s ability to establish a commanding lead from the outset made it nearly impossible for rivals to catch up. He urged McLaren and Norris to capitalize on their momentum and deliver consistent results right from the first race. “If Lando and McLaren can hit the ground running, they can shift the pressure to Red Bull and create a real championship battle,” Herbert concluded.
Eddie Jordan, known for his bold opinions, presented a more critical perspective. He questioned whether Norris’s amiable nature might hinder his ability to compete ruthlessly against Verstappen. Speaking on the “Formula For Success” podcast, Jordan highlighted instances in 2024 where Norris failed to exploit moments of vulnerability in Verstappen’s campaign. He argued that Norris must shed his “nice guy” persona and develop a more cutthroat racing style to become a serious title contender. “Lando has the speed, but he needs the mentality. If he doesn’t step up, he risks being remembered as one of the fastest drivers never to win a championship,” Jordan warned.
David Coulthard offered a more balanced take, praising Norris’s raw talent and McLaren’s progress. Coulthard emphasized that 2024 was a year of growth for both the driver and the team, as they transitioned from underdogs to genuine contenders. He believes Norris is just one step away from becoming the complete package but must adopt a more aggressive approach when battling Verstappen and other top-tier drivers. “Lando has to make it clear: if Verstappen tries to push him, he won’t back down. That mental shift could be the key to unlocking his full potential,” Coulthard explained.
All three experts agree that McLaren’s role will be crucial in shaping Norris’s championship ambitions. Under CEO Zak Brown’s leadership, the team has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a force to be reckoned with in 2024. Their continued development, coupled with Norris’s growing experience, sets the stage for a thrilling showdown with Red Bull in 2025.
While opinions differ on how Norris can take the final step, the consensus is clear: the ingredients for a fierce rivalry are in place. Herbert emphasizes the lessons of 2024, Jordan calls for a more ruthless attitude, and Coulthard highlights the need for tactical aggression. Together, their insights paint a picture of a young driver on the brink of greatness, ready to challenge Verstappen’s dominance.
As the 2025 season approaches, Norris faces the opportunity of a lifetime. With McLaren’s growing competitiveness and his own evolving skillset, the stage is set for a potential championship battle that could define a new era in Formula 1. Whether Norris can rise to the challenge remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the future of F1 has never looked more exciting.
