Lando Norris: “I have the confidence to say that I definitely have what it takes” for 2025

While Max Verstappen and Red Bull had a dominant start to the season, McLaren became increasingly competitive over the course of the year, making Lando Norris Max Verstappen’s main rival for the title.

The Brit ultimately failed to close the gap with the Dutchman, who clinched his fourth drivers’ championship title in Las Vegas, but after his victory in the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris admitted to having gained confidence throughout 2024.

When asked about his chances for the championship in 2025, given the confidence gained this season, Lando Norris replied: « Of course. I already believed in it this year, but it was just a little too late. »

« I certainly have things to improve, review, and correct. However, I think the thing I’ve learned and gained the most this year is self-confidence. It seems very simple, but I have always been the opposite, the type to have to prove things to myself before believing them. This year, yes, I made mistakes and didn’t fight Max well enough, but it was a good effort. The takeaway for me is that I have what it takes », he states.

« And it’s not overconfidence, it’s just that I know what mistakes I’ve made, I know what I’m capable of, and I know that if I improve in these areas, it’s clearly possible. So, I’m excited. As much as I’m looking forward to the end of this season to take a vacation, I’m really eager for next year. »

Lando Norris has reached a new level this season.

Lando Norris also elaborated on the performances from which he learned the most in 2024, citing several of his on-track duels with Max Verstappen. “Honestly, it’s probably the tough moments that teach you the most,” he explained. “It’s quite true what people say. But those challenging moments, my battles with Max, and other situations throughout the season…”

« I have clearly stepped up this season. I obviously lost some opportunities, and there may have been three starts where I lost one or two positions. But it was often positions against Max, or in Budapest against Oscar [Piastri], little things like that. »

« But none of them, in hindsight, gave me the impression that I didn’t have what it takes. Those moments only came in my direct confrontations with Max. And facing Max in any situation is always complicated, and no one enjoys racing against Max. »

A close battle

The season was marked by the duel between these two drivers. This season, Max Verstappen has not been as untouchable as in previous seasons.

« I think that Mexico marked a turning point where it was proven that not everything it does is perfect. And I think that if we go back to Austin, at turn 12, the majority of the drivers, or almost everyone on the grid, as well as outside, disagreed with the fact that I received a penalty. We should have either both received one, or neither. »

« But putting all that aside, I haven’t doubted myself this year in terms of pace. And I think I’ve strengthened my confidence. For example, in qualifying, 12 months ago in Abu Dhabi, I messed up my lap in Q3 when I should have been P2 after a big slide in turns 12 and 13, he explains.

This year, I managed to complete my laps. I made progress in all these areas. And it was more of a direct battle, against one of the best in the world. What you don’t see from the outside are those moments where, if I had done certain things, we would have crashed.

« Those moments when you accept losing a battle, that’s it. And it was related to our position during the first six or seven races of the year, where we lost too many points. I was simply not able to win as much as I wanted. »

« But I’m not saying this as an excuse. What I’m saying is that I didn’t have what it took this season to fight Max and deliver what I had to deliver. But it gave me the feeling that if I improve here and there, for the first time, I have the confidence to say that I definitely have what it takes », he concludes.