Lando Norris, the rising star of Formula 1, has emerged from the 2024 season with renewed confidence and invaluable lessons. Despite finishing as runner-up to Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship, Norris views the season as a turning point in his career, believing it has solidified his place among the sport’s elite.
A Year of Growth and Confidence
Reflecting on his performance, Norris acknowledged the strides he made during a challenging campaign. While Verstappen and Red Bull dominated the early races, Norris and McLaren became formidable contenders as the season progressed. This surge in competitiveness not only put Norris in the championship fight but also boosted his self-belief.
“I’ve learned that I have what it takes to compete at the highest level,” Norris admitted. “It’s not overconfidence; it’s knowing that if I refine certain aspects of my performance, the championship is within reach.”
This newfound confidence, Norris said, is something he had struggled with in the past. However, his battles with Verstappen, including key moments in races like Mexico and Austin, proved that he could hold his own against the reigning champion.
Lessons from the Hardest Moments
For Norris, the toughest moments of the season offered the greatest opportunities for growth. He cited several head-to-head duels with Verstappen as defining experiences. “Going up against Max is never easy, but those challenges taught me a lot about myself and my abilities,” he explained.
One pivotal moment came in Mexico, where Norris demonstrated his pace and racecraft but also realized that even Verstappen is not infallible. Additionally, incidents like the controversial penalty in Austin reminded him of the fine margins that define success in Formula 1.
“Those battles weren’t just about pace,” Norris noted. “They were about decision-making, understanding when to push and when to accept a loss. Sometimes, choosing not to crash is the smarter move.”
On-Track Improvements
Norris highlighted his progress in qualifying as another key takeaway. Reflecting on a mistake he made in Abu Dhabi during the 2023 season, Norris emphasized how he has improved in delivering consistent laps under pressure.
“I’ve closed off my qualifying laps this year,” he said. “That’s an area where I’ve grown a lot, and it’s given me more faith in my ability to perform when it matters most.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
With the lessons of 2024 behind him, Norris is eager to tackle the upcoming season. He believes that addressing the points lost in the first half of 2024 and refining his approach will put him in a stronger position to challenge Verstappen and others for the title.
“I know what I need to improve, and I’m excited to get back to work,” Norris said. “As much as I’m ready for a break, I’m also looking forward to 2025. This year has shown me that the gap is not insurmountable.”
As the 25-year-old Briton prepares for the next chapter in his career, his growing confidence and determination suggest that Norris is ready to take the fight to the best in the world—and perhaps claim his first Formula 1 World Championship.
