The much-anticipated “championship battle” between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris turned out to be a one-sided affair. Despite Norris climbing to P2 in the standings mid-season, Verstappen maintained his dominance, clinching his fourth consecutive title in Las Vegas.
Norris, who had hoped to dethrone the Dutchman, admitted defeat gracefully. Congratulating Verstappen, he acknowledged, “Max deserved it more than anyone else.” Speaking to F1TV, he further praised the Red Bull star’s unparalleled consistency.
“Max just doesn’t have a weakness,” Norris remarked. “Whether he has the best car or not, he’s always there, always making life tough. That’s what sets him apart.”
While Red Bull’s performance dipped during the European leg of the season, Verstappen’s skill ensured he maximized every opportunity. Even with an arguably weaker car since the Canadian GP, Verstappen consistently finished at the front, maintaining his lead in the championship.
In contrast, Norris struggled to capitalize on crucial moments. Mistakes in several races cost him valuable points that could have brought him closer to Verstappen. Despite matching Verstappen’s win tally of three Grands Prix from Miami to Las Vegas, Norris fell short in optimizing McLaren’s potential.
Despite the disappointment, Norris can take solace in McLaren’s impressive trajectory. The team’s upward momentum could position them as favorites for the 2025 season. However, the road to the title will be anything but easy.
Ferrari, rejuvenated by the arrival of Lewis Hamilton alongside Charles Leclerc, could pose a significant threat. Within McLaren, Norris may also face stiff competition from his teammate Oscar Piastri. The young Australian has demonstrated remarkable racecraft and aggression, signaling his potential to become McLaren’s next championship contender.
For Norris, addressing weaknesses like his inconsistent race starts will be critical. Poor starts cost him multiple wins and key points this season, a flaw he must overcome to achieve championship glory.
As for Verstappen, Red Bull’s struggles with the RB21—an evolution of the RB20—may hinder their early-season form in 2025. This could open the door for Norris to take an early lead, provided McLaren delivers a competitive package.
While Verstappen’s reign continues for now, the dynamics in 2025 promise a fresh set of challenges for all contenders. Whether Norris can rise to the occasion and dethrone the reigning champion remains to be seen.
