Lando Norris makes 2025 F1 drivers' title announcement after steering McLaren to constructors' victory with Abu Dhabi win | F1 news

Lando Norris said “next year is my year” after guiding McLaren to the Constructors' Championship by winning the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Norris finished in the Drivers' Championship as Max Verstappen sealed a fourth consecutive title with two rounds to go, but the Brit ensured McLaren finished 2024 with some silverware.

After team-mate Oscar Piastri dropped from second to the back of the field after a first-corner collision with Verstappen, sitter Norris controlled the race superbly to ensure McLaren held off Ferrari's challenge to win the title for the first time since then. 1998.

After taking the checkered flag, Norris congratulated his colleagues on the team radio before adding: “It's a special year. Next year will be my year too.”

The 25-year-old Brit, who finished 63 points behind Verstappen at the top of the drivers' standings, explained afterwards. Sky Sports F1 why he is confident of claiming maiden title in 2025.

“I know for sure that I have a lot of what is needed. There is no doubt about that, and I am confident to say that,” he said.

“I'm clear, and I think this year I didn't prove everything where it needs to be, but even from those times, I feel I've made a lot of progress to do in the quarter and second half of the year, a lot.

“I have confidence in myself, that it's not a common thing, and I never go around screaming that kind of thing. But I have confidence that I can fight against Max, and I can fight against Charlie and everyone. these other drivers who are just as capable of winning championships, even Lewis and stuff like that next year.

“So, I have what I need. Yes, I need to improve in areas, and there are some areas that are not up to the level they need to be, and I am going to work hard during the winter to improve them, but I think we will do that and we will fight.”

Piastri 'definitely' aiming for the 2025 drivers' title

Norris' statement of ambition was notable as McLaren have insisted through 2024 that they see him and Piastri as equals, and have shown they would be unwilling to prioritize the hopes of an individual once it is close made it impossible for the other driver to be in the mix for. the title of the driver.

At times the Australian was able to match Norris, perhaps most memorably when he overtook his teammate at the start of the Hungarian Grand Prix before McLaren's choice of strategy created a team commanding opera a radio soap that ended with Piastri claiming his first F1 victory.

Asked by Sky Sports F1 whether he is also aiming for the drivers' title next year, Piastri offered a strong answer.

“Sure,” he said. “Hopefully we can come out of the blocks strong next season and challenge from the start.

“I still have some things to work on and improve but I feel like it's been a good step up from my rookie season.

“So, I'm excited for next year, excited for a little break first, and then go again and try to fight for the two championships”.

Brown would not 'bet against' Norris for the 2025 title

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown said it was up to his two drivers to “prove that one” for the 2025 drivers' title, but admitted he “wouldn't bet against” Norris.

Brown said Sky Sports F1: “That race, he (Norris) carried us. So that we don't make any mistakes, and we were worried about Safety Cars, I was worried about everything, and he drove fast, as he is carried out.

“So next, try to repeat builders and get the drivers (title). I'll let Oscar and Lando find that one.”

Asked about Norris' radio message, Brown said: “He's going to give it everything he's got. And with how fast he is, I wouldn't bet against him.”

Brown also admitted that watching his team try to end his 26-year wait for the pitcher's title was the “worst two times” of his life.

He singled out McLaren's pit crew for special praise as they expertly executed Norris' only stop of the race to keep him ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz, who had stopped a lap earlier to try to undercut.

“That was the worst two hours of my life, by far,” Brown said.

“Lando went on brilliantly. Unfortunately what happened to Oscar first, but the team was relentless. They executed the pit well.

“And I think I was the only one who was ready to have a heart attack for about two hours.

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