Lando Norris will be looking to become an F1 world champion for the first time in 2025. But the Brit is being diplomatic about his chances.
Norris finished runner-up to Max Verstappen in 2024 by 63 points. McLaren had the strongest car in the second half of the season, but the 24-year-old failed to outscore his rival as the Dutchman drove inferior machinery.
McLaren did claim their first constructors’ title in 26 years last year with Norris and Oscar Piastri grabbing six wins and 21 podiums between them. Heading into 2025, the feeling is the Woking-based outfit are the overwhelming favourites.
Norris posted blisteringly quick lap times on the medium and hard compound tyre during pre-season testing in Bahrain. Many people in the paddock believe McLaren have found an extra few tenths on their rivals.
GPS data placed Mercedes second behind McLaren in Bahrain with Ferrari and Red Bull close behind. George Russell will be looking to get amongst the frontrunners after enjoying arguably his best season to date in 2024.
But Russell says Mercedes are not capable of beating McLaren at the start of the season – and he believes the Woking squad may have a significant advantage over the field.
Lando Norris will be annoyed by George Russell saying 2025 is the ‘biggest gap’ ever seen between the front and back of the grid
Heading into the Australian Grand Prix, many are expecting McLaren to walk away with maximum points to kick off 2025.
Norris hit back at remarks that the defending constructors’ champions are considered the favourites before the first race of the year. The Brit thinks people are being ‘short-sighted’ when talking about how big of an advantage McLaren are believed to have.
But speaking in the media pen via the official F1 YouTube channel, Russell says it can be argued that pre-season testing produced the ‘biggest gap we’ve ever seen’ from the front to the back of the grid.
Norris will not be happy with the Mercedes driver’s comments given he is looking to downplay his title chances and relieve some pressure.
READ MORE: Mercedes driver George Russell’s life outside F1 from net worth to height
Asked what he expects from 2025, Russell said: “I mean to be honest I’d prefer a boring season and we win every race, that would be brilliant.
“It’s the last season of these regulations and history tells us that it normally gets closer. But after Bahrain testing, you wouldn’t argue that the pack is as tight as ever.
“You could even argue that it was the biggest gap we’ve ever seen from front to back in recent times. So let’s see, now we’re here in Melbourne. I’m just excited to go racing and just do what we’re born to do.”
Can Lando Norris step up to become world champion in 2025?
It is not surprising Norris is deflecting claims he is the favourite for the title in 2025. The Brit will want to have as little distraction as possible as he takes the fight to Verstappen.
Norris will have learned a lot from his battles with the Dutchman in 2024 and will be well prepared to fight on track after their numerous collisions last year.
Martin Brundle thinks Norris stepped up a gear over the winter break. McLaren fans will love this claim as they hope the Brit can secure their first drivers’ title since 2008.
But the 24-year-old will face fierce competition from the other side of the garage. Piastri will be eager to stamp his authority as McLaren’s lead driver in 2025 after signing a new long-term contract.
