Amidst the championship fight against Max Verstappen, there were multiple instances when Lando Norris’ emotions got the better of him. There were moments when his friendship with Verstappen was on the verge of breaking away.
But when Verstappen sealed his championship, Norris was seen hugging his mate. It’s safe to say that the McLaren star is emotional, which is rare in this sport as per Jenson Button.
While the 2024 Drivers’ Championship is over, the will to return and seek redemption is not over in Norris. However, Button is wary of Norris getting burned out and advises him to take a good break and see it as a part of coming back ‘stronger’ next year.
“He should completely understand the systems, which he should, but he also needs a break. You know, this is such a long season. And it’s so easy in this sport to burn out for anyone, especially the pressure you put yourself under as a driver,” said Button.
️: it looked really difficult for you out there today. just talk me through how painful it was?
lando: “it WAS! you summed it up well..” pic.twitter.com/i531a0Mw4G
— ray (@ln4norris) November 23, 2024
The 2009 world champion urges Norris to sit on a beach and ‘forget’ about racing to return fresh next season. But at the same time, he emphasizes that he also needs to do his ‘homework’.
Before Norris starts following Button’s advice, there is an important task in his hands. In the next two races, he has to keep Ferrari at bay, who are breathing down McLaren’s neck amidst the Constructors’ Championship fight.
Norris needs to perform in the remaining two races in 2024
While Verstappen has won the title, Red Bull is far away from defending the Constructors’ title. Instead, it’s a tussle between Ferrari and McLaren for the ultimate glory.
The two eternal rivals are separated by a mere 24-point gap, and any mistake can cost either side. McLaren can seal the championship in this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix if they successfully grab a 1-2 finish in both the sprint and main race along with the fastest point lap.
This will be immensely hard to achieve considering the form Ferrari has had recently. Also, Toto Wolff has shown optimism about his team’s prospects in Qatar.
Also, Charles Leclerc is just 21 points behind Norris for P2 in the drivers’ standings. So, Norris ought to defend that too.
