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Lando Norris Issues Stern Warning to Max Verstappen Ahead of 2025 F1 Season
Lando Norris has sent a strong warning to Max Verstappen, making it clear that he won’t back down as he looks to claim his first Formula One world championship. The McLaren driver, who finished behind the Red Bull star last season, has promised to be more aggressive in his approach as he takes on the four-time champion.
Norris Admits He Must Be Tougher in 2025
Speaking at McLaren’s MCL39 launch at Silverstone, Norris reflected on his 2024 season, acknowledging that he needs to take a smarter, more assertive approach.
“I need to get my elbows out against Max and show I’m not willing to give him any positions,” said Norris. “You have to be smart to go up against him. When I look back at some of my decisions last year, I think, ‘What the hell was I doing?’ I know I have to do better.”
McLaren’s slow start last season put Norris on the back foot, but mid-season upgrades helped him secure his first-ever F1 win. Despite narrowing the gap, he still finished 53 points behind Verstappen. While Red Bull’s dominance waned, mistakes from both Norris and McLaren cost them a stronger title push.
McLaren Eyes a Strong Start in 2025
Despite Verstappen’s early advantage in 2024, Norris believes the championship dynamics could shift this season.
“If Max is 50 points behind instead of 50 ahead, it will be a different mentality for him,” Norris said.
McLaren’s success last season extended beyond Norris, with Oscar Piastri also playing a key role in securing the team’s first constructors’ title since 1998. Now, both drivers enter 2025 with high expectations.
Norris, installed as the bookmakers’ favourite for the title, remains confident. “I like that pressure, but I’m not feeling it. Hopefully, I can go out and make them some money.”
Piastri, who finished fourth in the standings last season, is equally optimistic. “There’s plenty of room for growth after two seasons in the sport. As a team, we can take great momentum into 2025.”
McLaren Cautiously Optimistic About MCL39
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown remains hopeful but cautious about the team’s progress with their new car.
“We believe we’ve made further steps forward since the championship-winning MCL38, but we won’t know for sure until we get into qualifying in Australia,” he said.
The 2025 season officially kicks off with pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26-28 before the first race in Melbourne on March 16. With McLaren determined to maintain their upward trajectory, Norris is ready to prove he has what it takes to challenge Verstappen head-on.
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