Lando Norris makes subtle dig at Max Verstappen as he outlines how he will race Lewis Hamilton in 2025

Lando Norris is gunning for the drivers’ championship in 2025 after missing out on Max Verstappen last season.

McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship – their first since 1998 – in 2024 as they boasted arguably the strongest package from Norris‘ maiden F1 win in Miami.

The Brit claimed four wins and eight pole positions – the fourth McLaren driver to achieve this feat – as he finished runner-up to Verstappen by 63 points.

The two friends produced a fierce rivalry on track in 2024, reaching boiling point numerous times throughout the year. Norris and Verstappen collided in Austria, handing the win to George Russell as the former retired and the latter limped home fifth.

Norris was controversially penalised in Austin after he was judged to have overtaken Verstappen off the track at turn 11 when the McLaren driver claimed he was pushed off the circuit. In Mexico City, the Red Bull driver was handed a 20-second time penalty for forcing his rival off the track twice.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown hinted Norris and Oscar Piastri will race Verstappen differently in 2025 having learned how to battle him last season. The former is looking to go one better this season, but he will face strong competition.

Lando Norris’ subtle dig at Max Verstappen as he states he can ‘race well’ with Lewis Hamilton

Verstappen will be the driver to beat, but the Dutchman will not have it easy. McLaren and Ferrari have caught Red Bull in development and arguably have the strongest packages.

Charles Leclerc scored the most points in the second half of 2024 and will present a huge challenge for Norris in the title fight. Furthermore, Ferrari have recruited Lewis Hamilton who will be a different animal as he is motivated to succeed in Maranello after a difficult end to his Mercedes stint.

READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from parents to celebration

Speaking on This Morning, Norris highlighted he could ‘race well’ with Hamilton and that he is ‘excited’ to battle him as a Ferrari driver. The Brit also aimed a subtle dig at Verstappen as he pointed out he has to give ‘extra metres’ to some other drivers on track.

Asked about Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Norris said: “I mean when I’m on track, it doesn’t make a difference. He’s a competitor and he’s a guy I want to beat. It’s the same when you’re on track with anyone.

“There’s always guys you give extra metres to and there’s guys that you know you can race well and Lewis is one of those guys. I’m excited to race against him more this year, it’s always an honour to race against someone like him.

“[it’s] always something I’m excited for and I want to prove myself. He obviously wants to prove himself like he’ll continue to do and fight until he stops in Formula 1.

“But it’s a cool story for him, to go to Ferrari. After everything he’s achieved I think it’s a cool step. A lot of people have said maybe it’s not the right thing to do and so forth.

“But I would probably do the same if I was in his position”.

Oscar Piastri may be the driver Lando Norris should worry about in 2025

After his performances last year, Martin Brundle has Norris as the favourite for the title in 2025. The Brit will be looking to put his missed opportunity in 2024 behind him and take his maiden championship.

But the 25-year-old will face competition from his teammate who will no longer be held back by McLaren’s ‘papaya rules’. Piastri had to take a step back last year to help Norris in his bid to win the title.

Piastri wants to avoid team orders in 2025 as he looks to stamp his authority and become the number one driver at McLaren this year. The Aussie’s aggressive driving style and daring overtakes – including his lunge on Norris ar Monza – prove he could be an outsider for the championship.

McLaren’s ‘complications’ with team orders could see Piastri beat Norris if the team do not intervene quickly enough with their drivers. With the scores set to zero, the battle between the McLaren drivers will be one of the most exciting of 2025.