Lando Norris is excited about the 2025 season as many — including some of his rivals — have deemed him the favorite to win the championship and he too believes he can win it. Norris’ self-awareness has grown, considering how he feels that he made many mistakes last season, which Max Verstappen capitalised on, to eventually win the Drivers’ Championship.
Many also feel that Norris was previously too shy and modest, having come across as someone who doesn’t have the self-belief needed to publicly challenge his rivals.
While Red Bull had the faster car, McLaren stunned many with the car they came up for Norris, which played a role in the team winning the Constructors’ Championship. This would give Norris the belief to go one step further this time, as he had finished second last season.
“…For those of you who know me, I’m not a guy who’s normally full of confidence,” the 25-year-old said in a video he uploaded on his official YouTube channel. “But for the first time, I’m confident. I’m in a good place”.
During the recent F1 75 Launch Event though, Mercedes’ George Russell, who is a good friend, teased Norris about his comments.
“Do the guys know you’re the favorite this year,” Russell said while Norris was giving an interview to SPORTbible on the red carpet. This prompted Norris to smile and reply with, “Shut up!”
George Russell jokes with Lando Norris about being the favourite this season #F1 #F175 pic.twitter.com/PXJGczNJV9
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) February 18, 2025
Although Norris was initially embarrassed by this exchange, he then hilariously said, “Favorite [with] the bookies! I’m going to make people a lot of money this year!”
On paper, Norris might be the favorite to gun for the title this season. However, there are many drivers waiting in the wings to spoil the 25-year-old’s party. Main amongst them would be Verstappen who would want to defend his crown and win his 5th consecutive title.
Who can challenge Norris for the title in 2025?
Given how the RB20 struggled during the latter half of the 2024 season, it would take a lot of effort for Red Bull to improve their car and give Verstappen another realistic shot at the title. But elsewhere on the grid, there are many contenders who would want to challenge the #4 driver.
Norris’ biggest challenge would come from within McLaren itself. His teammate Oscar Piastri showed his skills behind the wheel of the MCL38 last year, racking up two wins. Moreover, the Australian showed the fans that he wasn’t afraid to get his elbows out and challenge his teammate whenever he received an opportunity to do so.
If the MCL39 is the car to beat, Norris would expect stiff competition from the #81 driver in equal machinery. Moreover, the form book suggests that Ferrari will start on equal footing with the Woking-based team in terms of competitiveness.
With the likes of Charles Leclerc and seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton hungry to end Ferrari’s 17-year-long title drought, Norris will have to be wary of a fast-charging Prancing Horse throughout 2025.
Norris is himself aware of the competitive dynamics building around this season. Hence, he wants to pace himself race after race rather than give in to the ‘favorite’ tag.
