Norris aims to outpace Verstappen with better strategic approach in 2025 title fight
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
SILVERSTONE - Lando Norris is embracing his new status as a Formula 1 title favorite this year, even if it requires adopting a more aggressive driving style when competing against Max Verstappen.
Norris aims to outpace Verstappen with strategic ‘elbows out' approach.
Norris and McLaren have emerged as early front-runners for the 2025 season, following the team’s triumph in last year's constructors' championship. Despite securing six race wins, McLaren saw Norris narrowly miss the drivers' title to Red Bull’s Verstappen. Reflecting on the previous season, Norris confessed that he was "not ready" to outpace the Dutchman.
The rivalry escalated with collisions at the Austrian Grand Prix, followed by further incidents in Austin and Mexico City. At the unveiling of McLaren's 2025 car, Norris acknowledged the need for a tactical shift.
"I need to get my elbows out, and I need to show that I'm not going to willingly give him any positions," Norris stated. "But I also have to be a smart driver. You have to be a smart driver to go up against Max."
Norris elaborated, "We saw it last year. So I look forward to them. I like those moments when you have to make quick decisions, and it's always a lot harder when you're in the car than when you re-watch it after. Even when I see some things that I do, I'm like, 'why the hell have I done that, what an idiot!'"
He added, "But at the same time, I don't need to go out and just prove something to him. I don't need to take any unnecessary risks. I just need to keep focusing on myself. I don't think you have to do anything special to try and beat Max. He's quick, he's aggressive, he's one of the best ever. The easy way is just going out and being a bit quicker than him, and staying ahead. That's the obvious plan. But I know, I've just got to be smart. You have to position the car well, and think of the long game sometimes."
Norris’ title aspirations were initially dampened by McLaren's slow start, with Verstappen claiming victory in four of the first five races. Norris' breakthrough came at the Miami Grand Prix, igniting McLaren’s championship push.
Norris acknowledged his initial mindset was not conducive to battling Verstappen as fiercely as required. "I wasn't quite at the level I need to be to race against Max," he admitted. "We're talking about going up against one of the hardest attacking defenders ever, like we saw in Mexico, where [he] very willingly sacrificed himself for the benefit of the overall outcome."
"And when that's the mentality of a driver, whether it's Max or any driver, it's very difficult to emerge on top, especially when you're 50 points behind or 40 points behind in the championship."
Norris’ recent achievements mark a stark contrast to McLaren’s prior struggles, having only one race victory from 2013 to 2023. In 2024, Norris secured four wins, with teammate Oscar Piastri adding two more.
When queried about rallying fans to back him as champion, Norris quipped, "I mean, I hope they make a lot of money on me!"
He continued, "I'm definitely not feeling the pressure of all of these things. There's the expectation, more partners and sponsors, and fans. Every single one of these adds to the pressure and the nerves of it all, but I said in an interview the other week that the pressure and the nerves aren't a bad thing. For me, I always perform better in these situations. I like that I have that bit of pressure on my back."
With a renewed mindset and a clear strategy, Norris is set to tackle the 2025 season head-on, aiming to outmaneuver Verstappen and claim his place at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
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