A fiery resurgence, a taste of triumph, but lingering ghosts of mistakes past—can McLaren and Lando Norris seize glory in 2025, or will they crumble under pressure? Here’s why the stakes couldn’t be higher.
McLaren is no stranger to championship glory, but their 2025 quest to reclaim dominance in Formula 1 requires nothing short of perfection. After an electrifying 2024 season that saw them narrowly clinch their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, the team knows that resting on laurels is not an option. For Norris, the stakes are even more personal: transforming himself from a brilliant contender to an undeniable champion.
“We Compare Ourselves Against Perfection”
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has set an unrelenting standard: perfection isn’t just a goal—it’s the baseline. Reflecting on the team’s 2024 performance, Stella didn’t mince words. “We identify all these opportunities because, ultimately, we compare ourselves just against what is perfect,” he emphasized. Yet, glaring missteps from last season suggest the team still has much to learn.
2024: Triumphs and Turmoil
The highs of 2024 were undeniable. Wins in Abu Dhabi and standout performances in mixed conditions showcased McLaren’s capacity for brilliance. However, Norris and the team left over 100 points on the table due to misjudgments, driver errors, and ill-timed strategies.
From the costly delay in Canada that lost them the lead during a Safety Car to poor tire strategy in Silverstone, McLaren’s Achilles’ heel was clear: chaos. When the heat turned up, their decision-making faltered, an issue Stella is adamant must be eradicated.
The Verstappen Factor: A Rivalry Brewing
Lando Norris’ duels with Max Verstappen defined the latter half of the season. Norris had moments of brilliance, like outmaneuvering Verstappen in Mexico, but also moments of weakness, such as leaving an open door in the U.S. Grand Prix. The stakes for 2025 are clear: Norris must not just match Verstappen but decisively outshine him in both aggression and strategy.
Team Orders and Internal Clashes
While McLaren’s refusal to favor one driver outright may have avoided internal discord, it also cost crucial points. Miscommunication during races in Hungary and Italy created unnecessary friction and public scrutiny. Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri must find synergy under pressure without repeating the clumsy mistakes that caused headaches last season.
Start Strong, Stay Strong
A recurring thorn in McLaren’s side has been poor starts. From glitches in Hungary to misjudged setups in Zandvoort, these opening laps cost Norris vital track position. In a season as competitive as 2025 promises to be, every lost second at the start could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The Path Forward: Lessons and Resolve
McLaren enters 2025 with lessons learned and a clear mission: raise the bar. Stella’s philosophy is simple yet demanding: “If you think you’re good enough now, reality is going to hit you in a painful way.” The team must sharpen its strategies, eliminate preventable errors, and sustain an upward trajectory. For Norris, the challenge is personal: to emerge as a champion, he must be relentless, poised, and ready to take on a cutthroat grid.
The Final Word
The message for McLaren and Norris is clear: their 2025 campaign isn’t about incremental improvement—it’s about transformation. With four teams capable of winning a championship, McLaren can’t afford missteps. If they succeed, they’ll rewrite history. If they falter, they’ll watch another team claim the throne they worked so hard to reach.