After an incredible 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris has set his sights on clinching the 2025 Drivers’ Championship. The McLaren star, fresh off a dominant victory that secured his team’s first Constructors’ title since 1998, has declared with confidence, “Next year is my year.” However, F1 World Champion Nico Rosberg believes one critical challenge could stand in Norris’ way: his tendency to repeat past mistakes.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 podcast, Rosberg highlighted Norris’ raw talent but pointed out a lingering issue that could hamper his title ambitions. “He has some inner demons in his mind, which result in one or another mistake or so,” Rosberg noted.
He cited the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix as an example, where Norris, despite leading the race comfortably by over 20 seconds, narrowly avoided crashing twice. While these moments didn’t cost him victory, they exposed areas for improvement.
Rosberg also compared Norris to his teammate Oscar Piastri, praising the Australian for his composure and consistency. However, the former Mercedes driver still believes Norris’ “raw speed” sets him apart. According to Rosberg, Norris’ natural talent puts him on par with four-time World Champion Max Verstappen, making the Briton the favorite for the 2025 title.
Norris’ confidence stems from two key factors. First, his intense battles with Verstappen this year have prepared him for championship-level pressure. Second, McLaren’s remarkable resurgence in the latter half of the season positions them as the team to beat in 2025.
Rosberg echoed this sentiment after the Abu Dhabi GP, declaring that “second is not acceptable next year” for Norris. The 25-year-old is determined to deliver both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles for McLaren, cementing their return to dominance.
While Norris is tipped as the favorite, he’ll face stiff competition from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who will be teammates in 2025. Ferrari finished second in the Constructors’ standings this season and is expected to challenge McLaren with renewed vigor.
As the grid prepares for another thrilling season, all eyes will be on Lando Norris to see if he can conquer his weaknesses and claim the ultimate prize in Formula 1.
